Interest-free loans for household solar panels, fees waived for electric vehicles and $100 million for a big Canberra battery have been unveiled as part of a suite of climate change initiatives by the ACT government.
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The measures are just some of a $307 million package, announced ahead of the upcoming ACT budget, to be spent during the next five years.
The largest of the initiatives include a $150 million Sustainable Household Scheme fund.
The fund will provide loans of up to $15,000 for households to meet upfront costs of rooftop solar panels, household battery storage, zero-emission vehicles or efficient electric appliance.
A further $100 million will be spent in the next five financial years to deliver big battery storage for Canberra's energy grid, supplying at least 250 megawatts.
Registration fees will also be waived on zero-emission vehicles from May 2021 for the first two years of registration.
Energy and Emissions Reductions Minister Shane Rattenbury said the measures were the next steps to ensure the ACT meets its target of net-zero emissions.
"Having declared a climate emergency, we're doing what it takes to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the ACT community to withstand the impacts of the climate change we're already experiencing," Mr Rattenbury said.
"This budget commits major new investment to help Canberrans live more comfortably and sustainably, tacking the biggest pieces in our emissions puzzle with a focus on phasing out fossil-fuel gas and transforming ACT transport to be zero emissions."
A further $50 million has been allocated to improve building efficiency and sustainability for social and public housing, along with low-income owner-occupiers and low-performing rental properties.
Energy retailers will be also be mandated to provide customers with a reference bill for a typical energy customer and notify customers of plans that would reduce bill rates.
A $5 million fund will also be established to support community clubs to make energy efficient upgrades to energy and water systems, while $885,000 will be spent to phase out fossil fuel gas.
A specialised office of the coordinator general will also be set up to coordinate government efforts for climate projects.
"The budget supports the ACT's nation-leading efforts to phase out fossil-fuel gas, in line with our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045," Mr Rattenbury said.
"It prevents gas connections in new suburbs and offers no-interest loans to upgrade to efficient electric appliances.
"Importantly, the $50 million vulnerable household energy support initiative will also help reduce energy bills, and improve energy efficiency in public housing, rental properties and for low income owner-occupiers."
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
