Govt offers money to insulate homes

Homeowners will receive up to $1,600 to install ceiling insulation to combat climate
change, under the Rudd government's new economic stimulus package.
The government says the move could save households $200 a year on their electricity
bill and also cut the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.
"The government's advice has been that the single most effective measure in terms of
household energy efficiency is insulation," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said.
"This is a very useful thing for the planet, for greenhouse gas emissions."
Mr Rudd said more than two million homes did not have ceiling insulation.
The program starts on July 1, but householders can install the insulation beforehand
and seek a reimbursement later.
The government has also boosted its rebate - from $500 to $1000 - for landlords who
install ceiling insulation in their tenants' properties.
As part of the "green" package, the government will also increase the rebate for
households which install a solar-powered hot water heater.
The new rebate is worth up to $1600 and the existing means test has been scrapped,
so all households can qualify.
The government says households could save between $300 and $700 on annual power
bills by installing solar hot water.
However, households will have to choose between seeking a rebate for ceiling
insulation and a solar hot water heater - they can't get the rebate for both.
The government says the stimulus package could result in almost all Australian homes
winning at least a two-star energy efficiency rating within three years.
The package would help boost the economy and build the nation, as well as tackle
climate change, Mr Rudd said.
Australia could cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 4.7 million tonnes a year.