LED Lighting Upgrades, Grants and Incentives for Homeowners and Businesses: All States & Federal Schemes
The cost savings and environmental benefits of LED lightbulbs compared to older fluorescent and halogen globes are becoming well known, however did you also know that homeowners and businesses throughout Australia can access government schemes which can cover most or all of the cost of switching to LED lights?
Whilst that's great news, unfortunately understanding what's available in your local area, and how to access these incentives, can be a confusing process which is why we've put together this handy guide.
Below you'll find the latest grants, incentives and government programs in every state and territory throughout Australia, along with the relevant federal programs.
So whether you're a business owner looking to cut down on costs or a homeowner aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, you're in the right place to discover how these initiatives can make a tangible difference to you.
Last Updated: August 2023
Benefits of Switching to LEDs
There's really no reason not to upgrade to LEDs as even without government incentives they will easily pay for themselves over their lifetime.
LED lights use over 80% less electricity compared with traditional lighting methods, which means they cost significantly less to run and are a much more environmentally friendly option. LEDs also last much longer which reduces waste going to landfill and because they stay cool they don't heat up your home or business either.
State Based Incentives for Homeowners
NSW
Scheme: Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
All households in NSW are eligible for heavily discounted LED lighting upgrades. A single payment of $33 is required regardless of how many lights are being changed. Homeowners need to contact an approved supplier in their local area. An electrician will carry out the upgrades.
These upgrades can include LED downlights and other types of LED globes.
Victoria
Scheme: Victorian Energy Upgrades program (VEU/VEET)
Feb 2023 Update: In 2023 Victoria changed the rules of its Energy upgrades program and homeowners cannot receive rebates for switching to LED lights at this time. This change to the VEU program is disappointing and we hope we'll see this situation change in the future.
LED lighting change in Feb 2023
South Australia
Scheme: Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
Homeowners in South Australia can receive free / heavily subsidised LED lighting upgrades under the REPS scheme. This is a really popular program and some homeowners have told us they have had to wait sometime to find a provider who is available to complete their upgrades.
ACT
Whilst there is no direct incentive provided in ACT, there is a program called the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme which requires energy retailers to contribute funds to help pay for energy efficency upgrades, which may include LED lighting.
We recommend contacting your energy provide to see what schemes they have available at the current time.
Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and Western Australia
No government incentives or rebates available at this time
State Based Incentives for Businesses
NSW
Scheme: Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
In NSW businesses can switch to LED lighting for a $33 one-off fee. This covers all types of businesses including offices, warehouses, showrooms and also buildings such as schools.
This scheme covers all types of commercial lights including highbay lights, led panel lights, downlights, batten lights and more.
Victoria
Scheme: VEU program - Victorian Energy Upgrades
Subsidies are available for businesses based in Victoria under the VEU program. All Victorian businesses that use fluorescent commercial and/or industrial lighting are eligible to participate. Part or all of the cost of changing to LED is covered under this scheme.
South Australia
Scheme: The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
Eligible businesses can upgrade to LED lighting for free or a $33 co-payment. Most businesses can access this scheme and all types of existing lights are covered.
Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and Western Australia
There are no state based schemes in Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and Western Australia, however businesses may be eligible under the federal Emissions Reduction Fund. This is a carbon crediting scheme where businesses can earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for every tonne of tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2-e) emissions stored or avoided by a project.
Federal Grants and Tax Deductions
Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs
Small and Medium businesses with less than 199 employees can apply for grants from $10,000 to $25,00 to cover energy efficiency upgrades.
This scheme can provide grants for businesses to purchase more energy efficient products including LED lighting, air conditioners, insulation, double glazing and water heating.
Article on Smart Company Website
Small business Energy Incentive
This new incentive was announced as part of the most recent federal budget and provides small businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million with a 20% extra tax deduction on energy efficiency purchases.
Purchases can include things such as induction cooktops, led lighting, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries.
This incentive is provided as a tax deduction with a maximum bonus of $20,000 per eligible business
Summary
We hope you've found our guide to Australia's LED lighting rebates, incentives and grants helpful. We'll keep this article updated as new state based and federal incentives become available, so don't forget to come back and see if there are any changes which apply to your home or business.
We are looking forward to the day when every home and business is illuminated with LEDs, and Australia is on its way to a bright, green and sustainable future.