Eligible activities and equipment
An eligible activity under the ESS is an upgrade or project that saves energy and meets scheme requirements.
Read below for information on:
- eligible activities
- end-user equipment
- commercial and industrial site activities
- households and small businesses upgrades.
Eligible activities
Activities under the ESS are designed to improve energy efficiency. Eligible activities include:
- modifying end-user equipment (EUE) or the way it is used (including installing extra components), for example adding a damper to a fireplace chimney
- replacing EUE with more energy-efficient end-user equipment
- installing new EUE
- removing EUE.
More information about fuels that are eligible under the ESS is available on the Eligible fuel types page.
Eligible activities
Activities under the ESS must not lower production, service or safety standards.
End-user equipment
EUE includes:
- equipment, processes or systems that consume fuels eligible under the ESS
- equipment that causes, controls or influences energy consumption
- a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) building.
Commercial and industrial sites
A range of activities at commercial and industrial sites may be eligible under the ESS. This includes:
- efficiency improvements at industrial sites such as chemical plants, manufacturing plants, or mills
- behavioural changes in the way energy is used in schools or hospitals
- installing efficient refrigeration and cooling systems
- replacing outdated equipment, or modifying and making efficiency improvements to existing equipment.
Householders and small businesses
Consumers may benefit from energy efficiency upgrades in their homes or small businesses. For example:
- replacing electric or gas water heaters
- installing or replacing existing air conditioners
- replacing windows or doors with thermally efficient windows or doors
- installing or replacing existing pool pumps
- installing efficient showerheads
- draft proofing or sealing windows, doors, chimneys and exhaust fans
- replacing refrigerated cabinets (small businesses only)
- installing or replacing certain motors (small businesses only).
Consumers will need to work with businesses accredited under the ESS to access the incentives.