Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
The NSW Energy Savings Scheme helps households and businesses reduce energy consumption by making eligible energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.
About
What is the Energy Savings Scheme?
The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is a NSW Government initiative designed to encourage energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption across the state.
The scheme provides financial incentives for eligible upgrades, helping households and businesses reduce upfront installation costs and potentially save on ongoing energy bills.
What are Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs)?
The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) operates through tradable certificates called Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs).
ESCs are created when eligible energy-efficient upgrades are completed and verified. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy saved.
Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) can create and sell these certificates, generating funds that help reduce upfront costs.
What does this mean for you?
You don’t need to create or trade certificates yourself. The financial benefit is typically passed on to you as an upfront discount through a participating provider, making eligible energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.
Step by step
How does the ESS work?
When an eligible upgrade is completed, an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP) can create ESCs based on the energy savings achieved. These certificates have a financial value, which helps fund incentives for customers.
Check your eligibility
Find out whether your property and proposed upgrade meet the requirements.
Choose an upgrade
Select an energy-efficient product or improvement suitable for your needs.
Receive a quote
A participating provider confirms eligibility and provides a quote with any applicable incentive.
Complete installation
An appropriately qualified installer completes the work.
eligibility
What upgrades may be eligible?
The ESS supports a range of energy-saving activities. Eligibility depends on the relevant activity requirements, equipment and installation circumstances.
Hot water systems
Replacing existing water heaters with more energy-efficient systems.
Air conditioning
Installing or replacing air conditioners with efficient models.
Windows and glazing
Eligible improvements using thermally efficient windows and doors.
Draught sealing
Eligible measures that reduce unwanted airflow through gaps and openings.
Who is eligible?
NSW households and businesses may be eligible for ESS incentives, depending on the type of upgrade and applicable scheme requirements.
Eligibility can depend on factors including the existing equipment, the proposed replacement, the property’s location and whether a participating installer can provide the upgrade.
You generally don’t need to meet a specific household income threshold to access standard ESS incentives, although individual activities have their own requirements.
How Creditex can help
reditex works with government energy incentive schemes to support eligible energy-efficient upgrades.
We can help you explore available incentives and understand which upgrades may be suitable for your property.
✓ Home batteries
✓ Virtual power plants (VPPs)
✓ Air conditioning
helpful information
Frequently asked questions
ESCs are tradable certificates created by Accredited Certificate Providers for eligible energy-saving activities. Their value helps support financial incentives under the ESS.
ESS incentives are generally offered as upfront discounts included in a participating provider’s quote, rather than as a rebate paid to you after installation.
Renters may be able to access eligible upgrades, subject to scheme requirements and any necessary property owner approval.
Some incentives may be available alongside other support, but this depends on the relevant scheme rules and whether multiple incentives can be claimed for the same upgrade.
Explore more
Related government schemes
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
Learn about incentives for reducing peak electricity demand.
Learn more →
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
Explore incentives for eligible renewable energy systems.
Learn more →
FOR NSW RESIDENTS
Check what energy rebates you could be eligible for
Live in NSW? You may be eligible for government incentives to help reduce the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. Explore your options with Creditex.