Access to Electric Program

Making the switch from gas to electric appliances at home can improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and increase thermal comfort for households.

Homeowners experiencing financial hardship may be eligible to have the full cost of all existing gas to electric appliance upgrades and ceiling insulation for their homes paid for under this program.

Who can take part

Unsure if you are eligible? Complete the self-assessment tool to check.

The ACT Government is working with a range of community partners to find households that may be eligible. Care Financial Counselling, a trusted community partner with financial counselling experience, are responsible for eligibility assessments.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Own and occupy the home where the upgrades will occur (and not own any additional properties in the ACT or interstate).
  • Meet the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) income limits.
  • Be willing to have all your gas appliances upgraded to electric alternatives and to have your property permanently disconnected from the gas network.

Eligibility is also determined through a financial capability assessment done by Care Financial Counselling.

Property eligibility

Your property is eligible if:

  • It is located within the ACT.
  • It is a standalone house or a townhouse (no apartments).
  • It is an existing residence and not a new build (a property that has not yet been occupied).
  • The Unimproved Value (UV) is at or below a defined threshold.

About the Program

This program aims to help homeowners who most need support to switch their appliances from gas to electric. Making this switch can improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and increase thermal comfort for households.

The program fully funds electrification and energy efficiency upgrades in eligible households, including:

  • Replacing all existing gas appliances with efficient electric appliances (heating and cooling, water heating, cooktops).
  • Installing ceiling insulation (where required).

All participating households will be fully electrified and permanently disconnected from the gas network.

How it works

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, the Access to Electric Program could help you.

This free program helps homeowners who most need support to electrify. The ACT Government is working with referral partners including community organisations and energy retailer hardship programs to find households that may be eligible. Care Financial Counselling is conducting eligibility assessments, and the ACT Government is working with a contractor to deliver the upgrades.

Once all household appliances have been upgraded from gas to electric, participating households will be permanently disconnected from the gas network.

To find out more, read:

Cost

The program fully funds electrification and energy efficiency upgrades in eligible households, so there is no cost to the homeowner.

Why it’s important

Switching from gas to electric appliances can be costly. This program helps households who most need support to save on energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes.

If you make the switch from gas to electric, you could save around $1,200 annually. You’ll also cut your greenhouse gas emissions, helping the ACT in its commitment to reach zero emissions by 2045.

Contact us

If you think you may be eligible, contact Care Financial Counselling

For more information about the program, contact the Access to Electric team

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.