Delivery arrangements for the $50 Green Rewards to households have today been announced by the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong.

The Government will deliver the $50 Green Rewards to households that received a Green Loans home sustainability assessment on or before 11 May 2010. As announced in the Budget, the Government will not provide the $50 Green Rewards to households that received their assessment after 11 May 2010.

This measure is expected to benefit around 300,000 households, helping them to purchase products that will reduce their energy and water use.

Senator Wong said these eligible households would be sent a Green Rewards declaration form during July inviting them to claim their $50 Green Rewards.

As part of the form, households will have to provide receipts for the purchased eligible energy and water savings products.

Upon processing of the declaration form, households will receive a payment to their nominated bank account.

This direct delivery arrangement will give the householder an unrestricted choice of shops where they can purchase their eligible energy and water saving products. Under the previous proposal, a $50 Green Rewards card, households would have only been able to use the card for eligible energy and water savings products in a restricted choice of shops.

“These new direct delivery arrangements will be simpler and will give households greater choice in purchasing energy and water saving products,” Senator Wong said.

“The $50 Green Rewards can be used for more than 20 energy and water efficiency products such as fluorescent lamps, water efficient shower heads, door and window seals and compost bins.’’

Eligible households that are keen to invest now in energy and water saving products should check the list of Green Rewards products (attached below) and save their receipts

Q&A FOR HOUSEHOLDS

Who is eligible for a $50 Green Reward?

Households that have had a home sustainability assessment completed on or before 11 May 2010 will be eligible for Green Rewards.

This means your home sustainability assessment must have been appropriately booked and an accredited assessor, contracted to deliver services for the Green Loans program, must have visited the property to conduct their assessment on or before 11 May 2010.

Around 300,000 households will be eligible for Green Rewards.

Why has the Government changed the delivery arrangement for Green Rewards?

As announced as part of the 2010-11 Budget, the $50 Green Rewards will be provided to households that have had a home sustainability assessment completed on or before 11 May 2010.

This delivery arrangement for Green Rewards provides value for money for the Australian taxpayer and ensures that all eligible households can get their $50 Green Reward for the purchase of eligible energy and water saving products.

It gives the householder a greater choice of stores to purchase their items and means that they do not have to remember to have a card with them at the time of purchase. 

What if I have missed out on Green Rewards because my assessment was not completed on or before 11 May 2010?

A number of rebates and incentive programs remain available to households including support for renewable energy installations, solar hot water and heat pumps.

Visit the Living Greener website for details on Australian, State and Territory Government support.

I am eligible for Green Rewards, when will I get my $50?

Eligible households will be sent a Green Loans declaration form in the new financial year.

Am I eligible for Green Rewards if I had my assessment on or before 11 May 2010, but haven't received my report yet?

As long as you had your home sustainability assessment completed on or before 11 May 2010, you will be eligible for a Green Reward, even if the assessment report is delivered to you after 11 May 2010.

Can assessors claim Green Rewards on behalf of a household?

No. Only the household that participated in a Home Sustainability Assessment can claim the $50 Green Reward.

What will I need to do to claim a $50 Green Reward?

Eligible households will be sent a Green Rewards declaration form in the new financial year. If you are eligible for Green Rewards and want to invest in energy or water saving products now, you should check the list of Green Rewards products (below). Please note you will be required to provide your receipts.

What products will be eligible for a Green Reward?

People are not restricted to claiming a refund for initiatives recommended in their Home Sustainability Assessment report. To receive your $50 Green Reward, you will need to have purchased, and have the receipt for, one or more items from the approved Green Rewards list below.

There are 23 items eligible under Green Rewards:

1. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
2. Light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs
3. Water efficient shower head, AAA rated nine litres per minute or lower
4. Water efficient tap ware and components, AAA rated nine litres per minute or lower
5. Shower timer
6. In-line flow restrictors for existing shower heads
7. Aerators for taps
8. Rolls of flexible self-adhesive door and window seals
9. Self-adhesive or screw-fixed door draught seals (rear of door type at the threshold)
10. Pipe insulation for lagging
11. Solar garden lights
12. Grey water hose
13. Water-less car wash
14. Adaptable water saving devices for existing toilet and plumbing fixtures
15. Standby switch deactivation products
16. Compost bin or worm farm
17. Downpipe diverter
18. Dual flush toilet
19. Grey water diverter
20. Rainwater tank
21. Shade sails
22. Pool blanket
23. Ceiling fan