Local rebates left unclaimed

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE REGION’S households are missing out on “thousands of dollars” in energy rebates, according to an environmental services company.
Ecovantage’s Nathan O’Hal-loran said local businesses offering the rebates were trying to let residents know.
“Most people we’ve spoken to around Geelong don’t even know these rebates are available,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“In some cases people have already upgraded their home heating to gas, hot water to gas/solar or their TV to LED without even knowing they could claim anything back.
Mr O’Halloran said the rebates were available through a Victorian Energy Efficiency Target, part of State Government’s efforts to reign in carbon emissions.
Mr O’Halloran said the January 30 deadline meant energy companies had limited time to create certificates as part of the scheme.
“The value of the rebates to households is set for a roller coaster ride over the coming months,” he said.
“Financial penalties will apply to energy retailers for targets not met under the scheme. Because of this, there’s a temporary boom in demand for the certificates, increasing their value to a record high.”
Households would “likely see a substantial drop” in rebate value after January 30.
“The high level of rebates means that in some cases households have received back 100 per cent of the cost of heater upgrades back through the scheme.
Connectair’s Peter Dear said local businesses were carrying out the work, assisting the region’s economy.
“The price varies by area but in Geelong the rebate can be over $7000 for an upgrade from electric floor heat to gas home heating.
“It can be more than $2000 for changing electric hot water to gas boosted solar, $1530 to change electric hot water to gas instantaneous, $1496 to change electric hot water to gas hot water and $1530 for electric hot water to electric boosted solar.”
Mr O’Halloran said households with completed upgrades could still be eligible for rebates.
Barwon Solar and Middleton’s Heating and Cooling were also involved in the scheme, he said.