At least 6000 households will have access to a new, discounted washing machine as the NSW government seeks to lower electricity bills for some of the state’s most vulnerable.
Eligible pensioners, veterans, social housing tenants, and low-income households will be able to trade in their top-loader washing machine for a new 8kg water and energy-efficient front-loader for just $250 under the scheme.
The state government estimates the switch could save households an average of $300 per year by reducing water, electricity, and detergent use.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the “practical support” would deliver long-term cost-of-living support for NSW families.
“The response to this program has been extraordinary with machines snapped up in next to no time and that’s why we’re back again with another 6000 discounted washing machines,” she said.
Veterans Minister David Harris said the state’s veterans were owed “an unpayable debt”.
“Easing their electricity bills with a new washing machine is the least we can do,” Mr Harris said.
Likewise, Seniors Minister Jodie Harrison said the economic benefit for older residents would “add up over the long-term”.
“This has been a very popular program, so eligible seniors should get in quick if they have an old top-loader they would like to replace,” she said.
The scheme is available to eligible concession card holders and includes delivery anywhere in NSW, as well as a two-year warranty and removal of the old machine through recycling, provided by white goods’ giant The Good Guys.
To date, about 12,000 households have had their washing machine upgraded.
Its estimated the switch, as well as saving money, has reduced water usage by about 223 million litres, or about 93 Olympic-sized pools.
Previous rounds of the program saw machines sold-out within a week, prompting a third round, the government said.
The Labor government has sought to emphasise its practical cost-of-living relief as voters gear up to return to the polls next year, and as the war in the Middle East continues to put pressure on supply chains and fuel prices.
In recent years, the government has sough to expand access to common medicines including the pill and ADHD medication without needing a GP or specialist respectively.