ENERGY BOOSTER
Keep appliance receipts until Government website comes online
SHOPPERS across Cairns held off buying electrical goods until the new year in a bid to cash in on the State Government’s 4-star appliance energy rebate, but not everyone is guaranteed a piece of the pie.
The rebate gives Queenslanders the chance to save up to $300 on every new 4-star energy-rated appliance they buy.
Turners Home Appliances manager Brendan Turner said customers had come into the store last year to look for new airconditioners, fridges or washing machines but had held off buying them until they became eligible for the rebate this year.
“If you do manage to get a rebate, you get compensated to the point where you’ve only spent as much as you would have for a 2-star energy rated machine but you have a 4-star or higher appliance,” he said.
Applying for a rebate does not mean every person will receive cash back from their appliance purchase.
The Queensland Government’s website states there is limited funding for the rebate scheme.
“The scheme will cease once the funding is exhausted, so payment of a rebate is not guaranteed,” it states.
“The Queensland Government may also cancel the rebate scheme at any time by publishing a notice.”
Harvey Norman proprietor Brian Nicholson likened the rebate to a lottery.
“We’ve been told there’s a $20 million cap on the rebates, so it’s a bit different to a guarantee,” he said.
“The government hasn’t activated the website yet, so it’s best that if you do buy an airconditioner, washing machine or fridge that you keep your receipt safe until the website goes live.”
He said shoppers would make huge savings on their electricity bills regardless of whether or not they received the rebate.
“We all know we have extremely high electricity bills in Cairns, but switching to an energy-efficient appliance will save plenty off your bill,” he said.
Whitfield’s Emma Craig said she was looking for a new fridge that would help reduce her power costs at home.
“I’m on the lookout for something that’s going to be more energy efficient, because nobody likes paying those pesky power bills,” she said.
“Obviously any rebate I could get on the new fridge would be a bonus.”
The rebate applies to any airconditioner, fridge or washing machine with a 4-star or higher rating.