Concession holders are set to benefit from big energy bill savings thanks to a new South Australian Government pilot program offering them a free, new solar system in exchange for their concession payments, driving down their bills by up to $890 per year.
The Switch to Solar pilot program will give 1000 eligible South Australians a free solar system in lieu of receiving annual Energy and Cost of Living concession payments for a period of 10 years – and the chance to save hundreds on their bills.
The $4.25 million program will also support jobs and boost the economy, funding both the purchase and installation of the new solar panel systems.
Suburbs selected for this pilot include Hope Valley, Banksia Park, Tea Tree Gully, Vista, Modbury, Modbury Heights, Modbury North, Felixstow, Campbelltown, Newton, Paradise, Athelstone, Dernancourt, Holden Hill, Highbury, Redwood Park and Ridgehaven and Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island in regional SA.
Eligible households will be contacted about the offer after the solar provider has been selected.
A competitive tender process will now be undertaken on the SA Tenders and Contracts website asking solar providers to apply to deliver the program.
Background:
- Eligible ConcessionsSA customers can receive up to $215.10 per year from the Cost of Living Concession and up to $231.41 per year towards their energy bill, totalling up to $446.51.
- In exchange for these payments, eligible concession holders will get a free solar panel and the flow on effect of huge bill savings annually.
- It is estimated customers who enter this program could save up to $890 off their annual energy bill.
- Eligible households will need to own their own home and not have an existing solar system.
- The suburbs and regions were selected by the Department for Energy and Mining based on where the network can best accommodate the volume of solar installations.
13 February 2021
