Canberrans could potentially sign up to the ACT government's sustainable household scheme as early as June, but Chief Minister Andrew Bar says he does not expect a rush of people to join straight away.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaking before an estimates hearing on Thursday, Mr Barr said most of the loans handed out to homes through the scheme would be carried out in two to three year's time rather than in the first few months.
The $150 million fund, unveiled as part of the recent territory budget, will provide interest-free loans of up to $15,000 for Canberra households to meet the initial cost of solar panels, battery storage or zero-emission vehicles.
"We hope to have the first set of engagements with households in the next three months, and then over the [next financial year], then start to be in a position to actually execute the interest-free loan arrangements," Mr Barr said. "Eligibility criteria and the various finer details of the scheme will be before cabinet in the not too distant future."
While eligibility for the fund will be finalised soon, Mr Barr said the scheme was aimed at middle-income households.
"It's not the government's intention to help multi-million dollar homes make the switch, it's very much a middle Canberra program," he said. "It's very much about those who...understand they need to make the change, but can't afford the upfront cost."
The Chief Minister said there would not be a time limit in place for households to sign on for the scheme.
Mr Barr told the hearing that expressions of interest had gone out to businesses wanting to be involved in the scheme, although the fund was unlikely to attract new ventures.
"It will only be approved and accredited suppliers, we're not looking to attract new entrants and there'll be no cowboys," he said. "It's very much a sustainable path for an industry that's growing substantially."
The range of products able to be purchased with the help of interest-free loans were likely to increase as the scheme progressed, according to the government.
ACT cabinet will still need to decide upon the exact model that the scheme will operate, with elements of managing the interest-free loans likely to be outsourced.
The government said it was examining procurement processes for similar schemes undertaken by NSW and South Australia.