Member for Ku-ring-gai Alister Henskens SC MP is urging eligible households to apply for NSW Government Home Energy Action appliance program discounts to replace inefficient TVs and fridges.

The 40 and 50 per cent discounts for low income households are expected to save households an average of $140 a year on their energy bills.

 “This program will help 20,000 low income households lower their living costs,” Mr Henskens said.

“Replacing power hungry TVs and fridges is an easy way to lower your energy bills.

“Replacing an inefficient fridge will save a household up to $200 a year on its energy bill. Replacing an inefficient TV will also save a household up to $125 a year on its energy bill.”

Eligible households must be:

• A NSW resident; and
• Hold either a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card from Centrelink or a Gold Card from Veterans’ Affairs.
  The fridge being replaced is six years or older and the TV being replaced must be a plasma or cathode ray tube (CRT) TV.

  Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the scheme could also reduce about 11,500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, which was like taking more than 2,800 cars off the road, if 20,000 households each used the subsidy to replace one appliance.

  “Low income households are the most vulnerable to rising energy costs. That’s why this scheme is designed to reduce the high upfront costs for these households to replace inefficient fridges and TVs,” Mr Speakman said.

  “The scheme is expected to save enough electricity to power more than 1,800 average NSW households a year.”

  The offer is available until the $4 million program budget is exhausted. To apply for a subsidy, visit http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/households/appliance-replacement-offer.htm.