NSW Launches Zero-Interest Loans and Discounts to Cut Household Energy Bills
Thousands of New South Wales households will soon have access to zero-interest loans and energy-saving discounts under a major new initiative designed to reduce power bills and improve home energy efficiency.
The Minns Government has launched the $557 million Home Energy Saver program, providing eligible households with access to interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to fund energy-efficient upgrades including rooftop solar systems, household batteries, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fans and draught-proofing.
The program aims to address one of the biggest barriers facing homeowners and renters looking to reduce their energy costs – the upfront expense of installing energy-saving technology.
Under the scheme, households with a combined taxable income of up to $210,000 can apply for zero-interest loans from today. The loans will allow eligible applicants to spread the cost of upgrades over a period of up to ten years, making improvements more affordable without requiring a large upfront payment.
The NSW Government expects more than 32,000 households to benefit from the $480 million loan component of the program.
A further $77 million has been allocated for targeted discounts of up to $4,000, which will become available later in 2026. These rebates will be offered to households with a combined annual income of up to $80,000 and eligible concession card holders.
Renters will also be able to access the discounts, provided they obtain approval from their landlord before undertaking any upgrades.
The initiative builds on the growing adoption of renewable energy technologies across the state. More than half of all NSW homes now have rooftop solar installed, while approximately 13,000 household batteries are being added each month.
Premier Chris Minns said the program was designed to provide practical cost-of-living relief while supporting a more reliable energy system.
“We know energy bills are putting pressure on families right now, and while this won’t solve every cost-of-living challenge people are facing, it’s practical help that can make a real difference,” Mr Minns said.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the scheme would make energy-saving technologies more accessible to households that had previously found the upfront costs prohibitive.
The program is expected to deliver ongoing savings through lower electricity bills while helping households stay cooler during summer and warmer through winter.
Applications for the zero-interest loans are now open.
