Canberra residents have access to some of the most targeted heat pump hot water incentives in the country — including a cash discount, bill credits, and low-cost finance that can be stacked together.
The ACT government has made home electrification a clear priority, and heat pump hot water systems are one of the most supported upgrades available to eligible homeowners right now.
Rebate #1: The Federal Government Scheme
The Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) applies to all Australians. When you install an eligible heat pump hot water system, your installer generates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and passes the value to you as an **upfront discount at the point of sale**. No forms, no waiting — straight off your bill.
The federal STC rebate typically ranges from **$300 to $700** depending on system efficiency, tank size, and your postcode zone.
Rebate #2: ActewAGL Heat Pump Discount
If you are an ActewAGL customer upgrading from an existing gas or conventional electric hot water system, you can access a dedicated incentive specifically for ACT residents:
– **$1,250 off the purchase price** of a new eligible heat pump system at point of sale
– **$250 in electricity bill credits** over the following three years ($20.84 per quarter)
That’s a combined value of **$1,500** available to ActewAGL customers on top of the federal STC rebate.
Finance Option: ACT Sustainable Household Scheme
Not ready to pay the full upfront cost? The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme offers a **low-interest loan of up to $15,000** at 3% interest, repayable over up to 10 years. This can be used to cover heat pump hot water systems alongside other eligible upgrades like solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers.
For households looking to electrify multiple systems at once, this loan makes it significantly easier to manage the upfront investment.
The Combined Picture
| Incentive | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Federal STCs | $300 – $700 |
| ActewAGL Discount | $1,250 upfront |
| ActewAGL Bill Credits | $250 over 3 years |
| Total Potential Saving | $1,800 – $2,200 |
Why Act Now
The federal SRES scheme reduces every January 1st, and closes entirely in 2031. The longer you wait, the less the federal portion is worth. Installing in 2026 locks in the strongest available combination of discounts.
The Long-Term Saving
A heat pump hot water system uses up to 75% less electricity than a standard electric storage tank. For ACT households — where gas is being actively phased out — making the switch now positions you well ahead of the curve, with annual hot water energy savings of up to $400 per year.
Is Your System Eligible?
For the federal STC rebate:
– System must be on the Clean Energy Regulator’s approved products register
– Tank capacity 425 litres or under
– Installed by a licensed plumber
– A replacement at the same address
For the ActewAGL discount, you must be an existing ActewAGL customer upgrading from gas or conventional electric. A PowerBay-accredited installer can confirm your eligibility before the job starts.
Talk to a PowerBay-accredited installer near you to find out exactly how much you could save.
PowerBay is a proud Australian renewable energy brand, available exclusively at Bunnings Warehouse. Our range of solar panels, home batteries, EV chargers, and hot water solutions is designed to make renewable energy simple and accessible for every Australian home.