Eligible low-income households in the Southern Highlands town will be able to save hundreds of dollars on their electricity bills as part of the new Home Energy Action (HEA) Appliance program launched last month.

A $4 million initiative of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage will assist low-income households to reduce their energy bills by replacing existing inefficient fridges or televisions with selected new energy efficient models, provided at subsidised costs.

New appliances can cut energy bills, improve household and family living costs and help protect the environment.

Anglicare sustainable living manager Teresa Clark said the HEA Appliance program would assist many people Anglicare supported through its Moss Vale centre.

She said the program offered 40 per cent subsidies for fridges and 50 per cent subsidies for televisions.

“Households can save up to $200 on annual energy bills for fridges and up to $125 for televisions,” she said.

“If you have a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card from Centrelink, or a Gold Card from Veterans’ Affairs, you can make an appointment with us and we will help you apply for the program.”

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders are not eligible for this offer.

Ms Clark said those who might struggle to pay the gap could also receive assistance through Anglicare.

“We can also see if they’ll be eligible for a No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS),” she said.

Eligible households can also apply online at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/households/appliance-replacement-offer.htm

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply online. The application takes five to ten minutes to complete.

Anglicare Sydney is one of several non-profit organisations working with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to ensure their clients can access the program.