Did you know you can get cheap hot water systems and white goods under the government’s STC scheme? And the best bit, someone else does all the paperwork for you. Dishwashers. Clothes Washers. Heat pump and solar hot water systems. But, there’s a catch. The STC Scheme drops its rebates every year, and eventually, it will be zero. So what is it, and how do you get it?
So What is the STC Rebate Scheme? Spolier Alert: It’s REALLY Confusing.
The Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme awards Small Scale Technology Certificates (SSTC) to environmentally friendly appliances and white goods. The amount of money you get back from the government depends on how eco-friendly the appliance is, and when you purchase and install it. The rate of rebate is set by the government each year and is called the STP – or Small Scale Technology Percentage. In 2024 the STP was 21.26%. This will be reduced in 2025 and again in 2026 based on the SSTC Calculator. This is determined by the budget, the number of uptakes and the number of STCs available. So confusing right? In 2024, there were 33.6 million credits. In 2025, there are an estimated 28.8 million, and in 2026 there will be an estimated 23.9 million. So the rebates are likely to fall substantially for 2025 and 2026. Clear. As. Mud.
What You Need to Know to Claim Your Cheap Hot Water System or Appliance
Not much. The beauty of the STC Rebates is that they’re your tradesman’s problem. You get the cheap hot water system or dishwasher, they get a mountain of paperwork to do on your behalf. The electrician or plumber that sells you the appliance and fits it, then handles the STC Rebate paperwork. So that’s much better. So how do you get a dishwasher or hot water rebate?
- The scheme is for people who want to upgrade an appliance to a more eco-friendly version (one that is covered by the scheme)
- Decide what you want in your new appliance or hot water system and shop around.
- Heat Pump Hot Water and Solar Hot Water systems are both eligible for STC Credits. Washing machines, fridges, dishwashers and even some dryers may be eligible.
- If you’re buying from an appliance store, ask them about the STC Credits and clarify if the credit has been applied.
- If you’re ordering through an electrician or a local plumber, they’ll sell you a unit a bit cheaper than the store, and install it, and do all the paperwork in one hit. It’s simpler and works out cheaper. Buying from a local tradesperson also means that you can get an installation schedule so that you don’t miss out on the maximum rebate
- Be sure to clarify exactly what credits have been applied and what discount you’re receiving. There are some shonky shops and trades people out there!
- Get it all signed off and installed before December 31st. If you don’t, you will be placed on the following year’s reduced STC rate.
Are there other Hot Water and appliance rebates around?
The STC scheme is federal so it applies across all states. Most rebates are given at a state level, so make sure you check for any state government rebates or even local council rebates that may apply. Remember too that your senior discount could get you a reduction in both the unit and the installation if you are a keen bargain hunter! Cheap hot water systems and white goods get less cheaper every year, so if you know yours is on the way out, get it replaced, stat.
