Tasmania’s energy efficiency loans scheme now open

Tasmanian households and small businesses can increase their energy efficiency through a new no-interest loan scheme, BLAIR RICHARDS, State Political Editor, Mercury

May 2, 2017 THE State Government has continued its focus on power prices, opening up the long-awaited energy efficiency loan scheme.The scheme, which was one of the major cost-of-living announcements in last year’s state budget, has been announced just ahead of the next budget.

Under the $10 million scheme Tasmanian households and small businesses can obtain interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for energy efficient appliances including heat pumps, double-glazed windows, solar panels and solar hot water systems.

The loans will be provided by Westpac and administered by Aurora Energy.

The scheme follows the Government’s pledge to legislate to cap power prices for the next 12 months to avoid a possible national price hike.

Energy Minister Matthew Groom said the two power price initiatives would help keep a lid on costs to Tasmanian households and businesses.

Mr Groom said 2000 people had already registered for energy efficiency loans.

“Products can be purchased from any Tasmanian supplier that has been operating in the state for 18 months or more, which will ensure that Tasmanian businesses benefit from the scheme as well,” he said.

Deputy Opposition leader Michelle O’Byrne said Labor supported the energy loans scheme, however it had been a long time coming. http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/tasmanian-households-and-small-businesses-can-increase-their-energy-efficiency-through-a-new-nointerest-loan-scheme/news-story/65f512a7d8bd287c1d3c5da400db0564