Group urges rebate use

The Peninsula Environment Group is encouraging residents to use Government rebates to reduce the amount of energy and water used at home as part of their New Year's resolution.

Group president Mr Mark Mann said it was a good time to start looking at green options to save water and energy especially since the State Government announced an extension to its Home Saver Rebates program.

"With climate change and Australia's limited water resources, we all need to reduce the amount of energy and water we use in our homes," Mr Mann said.

"Items such as dual flush toilets and rainwater tanks are simple ways to cut your water use.

"And with energy prices tipped to soar, things like installing solar hot water will save you money in the coming years.

"We'd encourage Peninsula residents to make it one of their New Year's resolution for 2010 to 'go green', starting with these rebates."

The State Government recently announced it would reward homeowners for installing hot water circulators and dual-flush toilets in a $75 million boost to its NSW Home Saver Rebates program.

Under the new program, every NSW household is eligible for up to $1500 worth of rebates and can now receive $150 for the installation of a regulated or on-demand hot water circulator unit and $200 for new four-star dual flush toilets to replace single flush toilets.

Other rebates available under the extended program include up to $1500 for rainwater tanks that are connected to a washing machine and toilet, $300 to replace an electric hot water system with solar, heat pump and five-star gas hot water systems, $150 for a five-star water efficient washing machine and $35 to have a second working fridge taken away.

State Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Mr Frank Sartor said by June next year the NSW Home Saver Rebate program was expected to save four billion litres of water and 500,000 tonnes of carbon.

"The NSW Home Saver Rebates program was established to reward NSW residents who want to upgrade their homes to make them more water and energy efficient," Mr Sartor said.

"The rebates are designed to bridge the gap between the up-front cost of water and energy savings devices - such as rainwater tanks and water efficient washing machines - and the savings in energy and water bills that result over time.

"It has also boosted the creation of green jobs and supported NSW manufacturers of energy and water efficient products."

For full terms, conditions and eligibility criteria for all rebates, visit the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or call the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.

Media statement, 20 Jan 2010 Mark Mann, Peninsula Environment Group Press release, 15 Jan 2010 Frank Sartor, NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment