Media Release

03 Aug 2006

10 000th Washing Machine Rebate Issued

The 10,000th washing machine rebate has been issued to a Sydney Water customer in Padstow.

The customer received the $150 rebate after purchasing a new washing machine with a four star or 5A water efficiency rating.

The washing machine rebate was introduced on March 1 this year and has proved a great success.

The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan, which will provide a secure water supply that meets the needs of Sydney both during the drought and in the long term.

Household water use accounts for approximately 70 per cent of Sydney’s water consumption, with around three quarters of this being used inside the home.

Many Sydney Water customers have participated in a range of water saving programs since the demand management strategy was implemented in 1999, saving over 110 billion litres of water.

These include the WaterFix Program, DIY Water Saving Kits, the Rainwater Tank Rebate and the Every Drop Counts Business Program.

The washing machine rebate aims to build on these savings and will ultimately save around one million litres of water each day.

Sydney Water residential customers who purchase a new washing machine with a four star or 5A water efficiency rating before 28 February 2007 can apply for the rebate.

Prior to the rebate’s introduction, only around four per cent of washing machines purchased were four star or 5A rated. This is expected to rise to more than 20 per cent with the rebate offer.

Customers who purchase a water efficient washing machine can typically save more than 21,000 litres of water each year.

Water efficient washing machines also provide annual savings of 125 kilowatt hours of electricity and around $45 in water and electricity bills.

To claim the rebate, customers must complete an application form, attach the original receipt and send it to Sydney Water’s address located on the rebate brochure available at most retail outlets.

Sydney Water will post the receipt and a cheque for $150 back to the customer within 30 days.

Qualifying washing machines are marked with a sticker and white goods retailers have been informed about the rebate. The Sydney Water website has the list of eligible washing machines and a copy of the application form.

 

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