$1200 insulation rebate vital to investment
The insulation rebate of $1200 is vital if investment and jobs growth in Australia’s growing energy efficiency industry is to be maintained, according to Mr Danny Morgan, Managing Director of Enact Energy, one of Australia’s leading insulation installers.
“Enact Energy is a British based environment and energy efficiency company that has just established operations in Australia on the back of the State and Federal Government’s drive for more environmentally sustainable economies.
“We have established offices in capitals along the Eastern Seaboard including Adelaide and established partnerships with leading energy retailers, local governments, green product manufacturers, and installers.
“The Federal Home Energy Efficiency program now forms a major source of revenue and is very significant component of the company’s investment and operations in Australia,” Mr Morgan said.
Citing the experience of the UK, where the insulation sector has been in turbulence, Mr Morgan said that any further reductions in the level of rebate available below $1200 would act as a disincentive for the take up of the program and many homes would remain energy inefficient.
“The Federal insulation program is unique in its size and scope and in delivering energy efficiency improvements to householders across Australia. While the new checks and balances were required to address the variable level of standards of service, the current level of rebate is vital,” Mr Morgan said.
“It is also important for householders to choose reputable installers with certified products. Insulation stays in your roof for the life of your home and you get what you pay for. It is vital that installations are professionally done, the safety of Australian families is too important to cut corners on installation quality.”
“We recommend householders ask for proof that the product meets Australian Performance Standards and comes with life time warranties on the safety and performance of the product. This should include the insulation being fire safe and noncombustible to the Australian Standard.
“Consumers should also look for reliable installers who include random follow-up inspections of installations and provide quality assurance on all installations. This will help homeowners feel sure they are getting the best and most reliable product available for the price,” Mr Morgan said.
Mr Morgan said, “If homeowners are unsure about what product to install, they can call the national Green Project hotline on 1800 442 443.
The Green Project was set up by Enact Energy as an additional service to the Federal and State Governments’ drive for more energy efficient lifestyles.
