Eligible activities

Activities may be eligible under the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) if they reduce consumption of a fuel eligible under the ESS without reducing production, service or safety levels.  More information about fuels that are eligible under the ESS is available on the Eligible fuel types page.

Eligible activities include:

  • modifying end-user equipment or the way it is used (including installing additional components)
  • replacing end-user equipment with other end-user equipment
  • installing new end-user equipment
  • selling new end-user equipment that consumes less energy than other comparable end-user equipment
  • removing end-user equipment.

Find out more on the Energy savings calculation methods page.

End-user equipment

End-User equipment 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 that may be eligible including:

  • efficiency improvements or line upgrades at industrial sites (e.g. chemical plants, manufacturing plants, mills)
  • behavioural changes in the way energy is used in schools or hospitals
  • installation of efficient refrigeration and cooling systems at retail and commercial sites
  • replacement of out of date equipment, or modification and efficiency improvements to existing equipment.

Common equipment energy savings opportunities can be found in:

  • compressed air systems (that are oversized or leak)
  • variable speed drives (VSDs) fitted to inefficient motor
  • modifications to large refrigeration systems
  • replacement or modification of HVAC systems
  • decommissioning or retiring of old plant made redundant by more specialised equipment
  • installation of high efficiency motors
  • installation of power factor correction capacitors.

For more information, see the Calculation methods page.

Householders and small businesses

Householders and small businesses may be able to benefit from a range of energy efficiency upgrades in their homes or businesses such as:

  • high efficiency or LED lighting upgrades
  • 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).

Residential and small business upgrades are performed by businesses that are accredited under the ESS.

See the Who can help with energy upgrades page for more information.