Heat pump hot water rebates in Western Australia

"Heat pump hot water rebate WA" and "how to apply" sit near the top of Google's suggestions when you start typing about heat pump rebates, so it is worth being clear. When a Perth installer advertises a rebate, it is the federal STC discount. There is no separate state form to fill in. Here is what I checked and what you can still claim.

Is there a WA government rebate for heat pumps?

I checked three WA Government sources:

• Energy Policy WA: its distributed energy page names heat pump hot water systems as one kind of household energy resource, and says the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme "is a financial incentive provided by the Commonwealth Government". The state programs it lists are energy buyback schemes and the WA Residential Battery Scheme (Energy Policy WA).
• Energy Ahead (formerly the Household Energy Efficiency Scheme): a hardship program for Synergy and Horizon Power customers that can replace low-efficiency appliances "such as refrigerators". It does not mention hot water (WA Government).
• The 2026-27 WA Budget household energy items are bill concessions, the battery scheme and an Energy Ahead extension, with no hot water rebate (WA Budget).

I didn't check Synergy's or Horizon Power's own retail offers. If you are on a hardship arrangement, ask them about Energy Ahead directly.

So how do I apply for the heat pump rebate in WA?

There is nothing to lodge with the state. For the federal discount:

1. Choose a model on the Clean Energy Regulator register (how to check).
2. Get a written quote showing the number of STCs and the dollar value per STC.
3. Sign the STC assignment form the installer gives you (usually part of the contract).
4. Make sure a licensed plumber and electrician do the installation.

Perth's CBD postcode is in heat pump zone 3, along with Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide (CER postcode zones). The STC count is set by your postcode, so check yours. My STC guide explains the maths.

The federal Household Energy Upgrades Fund also offers discounted loans through participating lenders, and hot water heat pumps are an eligible upgrade (energy.gov.au).

Does a heat pump suit Perth's climate?

Perth is mild for a heat pump. The Bureau of Meteorology's Perth Metro station records a July mean minimum of 8.1°C and a February mean maximum of 31.7°C (BoM). Warm air makes the heat pump's job easier, and Your Home notes that running it in the warmer afternoon improves efficiency (Your Home).

Solar hot water is the other low running cost option worth comparing in Perth. My heat pump vs solar page compares them.

What about WA electricity tariffs and solar?

WA isn't part of the federal Solar Sharer Offer, which covers NSW, South East Queensland and South Australia only. The federal government says it is working with other jurisdictions on a "potential expansion", with no dates (energy.gov.au). If you have rooftop solar, the simplest saving is a heat pump with a timer set to run in the middle of the day. The Clean Energy Regulator itself suggests a timer "to switch on the heat pump during the day while your rooftop solar system is generating" (CER).

What should Perth buyers compare?

• The STC value on each quote (it is often the biggest single discount in WA).
• Whether the price includes removing the old unit and any electrical work.
• A timer, if you have or plan to get rooftop solar.
• Noise rating and where the unit will sit relative to bedrooms and neighbours.

See the Perth guide and the installer checklist.