On 18 February 2008, the Premier, Mike Rann, announced a new energy efficiency incentive scheme for households. Under the Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES), energy retailers operating in South Australia are required to achieve targets for:
(a) Delivering energy audits to low income households; and
(b) Implementing energy efficiency improvements in households, such as ceiling insulation, draught proofing and more efficient appliances. A proportion of these must be delivered to low income households.
The REES continues the Government's commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve residential energy efficiency.
By reducing energy use and energy bills, the REES will also help householders prepare for energy cost increases that may arise from a national emissions trading scheme, which is expected to begin in 2010.
All South Australian households will be able to participate in the scheme. For many this is likely to be at little or no cost as energy retailers are expected to offer households incentives to adopt energy saving measures. Householders will be able to take up incentives offered by any retailer.
The REES presents an opportunity for energy efficiency businesses, welfare groups, local governments, manufacturers and other service providers to work in partnership with energy retailers in achieving their targets.
The REES will start on 1 January 2009 and be administered by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia.
