Sustainable Household Scheme

What's This Scheme About?

Canberra winters are cold and summers are hot. If your air conditioning system is ageing, inefficient, or running on gas, the ACT Government's Sustainable Household Scheme gives you a practical way to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioning without the upfront financial pressure.

From 1 July 2026, eligible ACT homeowners can now borrow up to $20,000 at just 3% interest, with up to 10 years to repay and no upfront fees. Whether you're replacing an old split system, upgrading to ducted reverse cycle, or switching from gas heating to electric, ACG Canberra can help you make the most of this scheme.

What Changed From 1 July 2026?

The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme was updated with improved benefits for new applicants:

• Maximum loan limit increased from $15,000 to $20,000
• Electric vehicle price threshold raised to $60,000
• Electric cargo bikes will be added as an eligible product from September 2026

If you submitted an application or were approved before 1 July 2026, your maximum loan limit remains $15,000 over the life of the scheme.

How Does It Work for Air Conditioning?

Electric heating and cooling systems, including split systems and ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, are fully eligible products under the scheme. Here is how the process works:

1. Contact ACG Canberra for a free, no-obligation onsite quote
2. We assess your home and recommend the right system for your needs and budget
3. You apply for your low-interest loan through Brighte, the scheme's loan provider
4. Your new system is installed and repayments only begin once it is operational

ACG handles the installation side; you simply manage the loan application with Brighte.

Are You Eligible?

The scheme is open to ACT residents who meet one of the following:

• You own a home in the ACT where the installation will take place, or
• You hold a current ACT driver's licence (for electric vehicle applications)

You will also need to meet Brighte's standard lending criteria, which includes a credit assessment and attendance at a free one-hour energy efficiency workshop, available online or in person.

For concession card holders (Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, or Health Care Card), you may also be eligible for:

• Up to $5,000 in rebates through the Home Energy Support Program
• A separate zero-interest loan of up to $10,000

These can be combined, giving concession card holders access to up to $15,000 in zero-interest loans and rebates.

For full eligibility details, visit: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme

What Air Conditioning Products Are Covered?

The following heating and cooling products are eligible under the scheme:

• Reverse cycle split systems (wall-mounted, multi-head)
• Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning systems
• Electric heating and cooling upgrades, including replacing gas ducted heating with electric
• Installation costs for all of the above

You can borrow between $2,000 and $20,000 to cover one product or a combination of products, as long as the total does not exceed the scheme limit.

What Are the Loan Costs?

• Interest rate: 3% per annum
• Loan range: $2,000 to $20,000
• Loan term: Up to 10 years
• Upfront fees: None
• Establishment fees: None
• Early repayment penalty: None
• Late payment fee: May apply (charged by Brighte)

Standard credit criteria apply. A credit history assessment is required as part of the application. Brighte also offers hardship support if your circumstances change during the loan term.

Near the ACT Border? You May Be Eligible for the NSW Scheme

If you live just across the border in areas such as Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong, Yass, Goulburn, or Bungendore, you are in NSW, which means you are not eligible for the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme. However, you may be eligible for a comparable incentive through the NSW Government's Energy Savings Scheme (ESS).

The NSW Air Conditioner Upgrade Incentive offers:

• An upfront discount applied directly to your installation quote, with no rebate claim required afterwards
• Discounts of up to $550 to $560 on the installation of a new energy-efficient 6kW air conditioning system
• Coverage for both new installations and replacements of existing units
• Availability to all NSW households and small businesses with no fixed closing date. The scheme runs until 2050.

The discount amount varies depending on the system size, energy efficiency rating, and installer. ACG services Queanbeyan and surrounding NSW border areas, and our team can advise you on what incentives are available for your property at the time of your free onsite quote.

For more information on the NSW scheme, visit: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/household-energy-saving-upgrades/air-conditioner-upgrade-incentive

Why Choose ACG Canberra for Your Scheme Installation?

ACG has been Canberra's trusted air conditioning specialists for over 20 years. When it comes to scheme installations, we make the process simple:

• Free no-obligation onsite quote. We come to you.
• Same-day installations available on selected systems
• Expert advice on the right system for your home, budget, and the scheme's eligible products
• Authorised dealers for Daikin, Mitsubishi, Actron, Hitachi and more
• Fully licensed and insured: Licence AU068175
• Rated 4.9 stars across 450+ Google reviews

Whether you are in Canberra's inner suburbs, the outer districts, or just over the border in NSW, ACG is the team to call.

Call ACG today on 1300 289 214 or request your free onsite quote online.

Contact and Scheme Information

ACG Canberra: 1300 289 214
ACT Scheme enquiries: SHS@act.gov.au or phone 13 22 81
ACT Scheme website: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme
NSW Energy Savings Scheme: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates/household-energy-saving-upgrades/air-conditioner-upgrade-incentive