ACT LED Lighting Incentives: What Canberra Businesses Can Access

The ACT has its own approach to energy efficiency incentives. Different from the certificate schemes in NSW and Victoria, but with meaningful support available for commercial LED upgrades.

Here’s what Canberra businesses can access in 2026.

The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS)

The ACT’s main energy efficiency program is the EEIS, administered under the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012.

How it works: Energy retailers have obligations to achieve energy savings in ACT households and businesses. They meet these obligations by delivering or funding efficiency programs.

For commercial lighting: Retailers (primarily ActewAGL) offer rebates for qualifying LED upgrades. These rebates are funded through the retailer’s EEIS obligations.

What you can get: Varies by retailer and current program. Historically, commercial lighting rebates have ranged from $10-50 per fitting depending on type and specifications.

Accessing EEIS Lighting Rebates

To access EEIS commercial lighting rebates:

  1. Contact your electricity retailer: ActewAGL is the main provider. Ask about current business energy efficiency programs.

  2. Get a pre-assessment: The retailer or their delivery partner will assess your existing lighting and proposed upgrade.

  3. Meet eligibility requirements: Typically involves replacing specified inefficient lighting types (fluorescent tubes, halogen, etc.) with qualifying LED products.

  4. Complete the upgrade: Using approved products and (usually) approved installers.

  5. Submit documentation: Evidence of existing lighting, new products installed, and often photos.

  6. Receive rebate: Either upfront discount or post-installation payment.

EEIS Changes and Current Status

The EEIS has evolved since its introduction. Commercial lighting has been a significant component, but as LED becomes standard, the savings available from lighting retrofits diminish.

Check current program details: What I describe here reflects typical structures, but specific rebate amounts and eligibility requirements change. Always verify current offerings before planning a project.

Retailer program differences: Different retailers may offer different programs. If you’re on a small retailer, your options may be more limited.

Federal Government Programs

National programs apply in the ACT:

Instant Asset Write-Off

Small business tax provisions allowing immediate deduction for equipment including LED lighting. Check current thresholds with your accountant.

Clean Energy Finance Corporation

For larger projects, CEFC financing may be available at favourable rates. Typically relevant for projects over $250,000.

ACT Government Direct Programs

The ACT Government sometimes runs direct programs:

Sustainable Household Scheme

Primarily residential, but worth checking if any commercial components exist.

Business Programs

The ACT Government’s climate action programs occasionally include business energy efficiency components. Check the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website for current offerings.

Canberra-Specific Considerations

The ACT has particular characteristics affecting lighting projects:

High Energy Costs

Electricity prices in the ACT are significant. Combined with cold winters requiring lighting during heating hours, energy costs for commercial lighting are meaningful.

Government Tenants

Many Canberra commercial buildings have government tenants with sustainability requirements. These requirements can drive lighting upgrades regardless of incentives.

Building Quality Expectations

The ACT commercial market trends toward higher quality buildings. Base building lighting specifications are often good, but upgrades for tenant requirements or efficiency improvements remain common.

Working With Approved Providers

EEIS programs typically require working with approved providers:

Authorised participants: Companies authorised to deliver programs on behalf of retailers.

Approved products: LED products that meet EEIS specifications.

Documentation requirements: Evidence requirements to substantiate savings claims.

Ask potential contractors whether they’re experienced with EEIS programs. The paperwork requirements add complexity, but the rebates offset project costs.

Project Planning

When planning an ACT commercial lighting project:

  1. Quantify existing lighting: What’s currently installed? Operating hours? Energy consumption?

  2. Understand the upgrade scope: What products? What savings?

  3. Check incentive eligibility: Does this project qualify for EEIS or other programs?

  4. Calculate net costs: Project cost minus incentives equals your real investment.

  5. Assess payback: How long to recover the net investment from energy savings?

Most ACT commercial LED projects achieve reasonable paybacks even without incentives. The EEIS rebates improve economics but aren’t essential for project viability.

Beyond Incentives

The incentive is a bonus, not the reason for the project. Good LED upgrades should proceed based on:

  • Energy cost savings
  • Maintenance reduction
  • Improved light quality
  • Tenant attraction and retention
  • Sustainability credentials

The EEIS helps on the margin but shouldn’t be the primary driver.

Getting Help

For ACT commercial lighting projects:

Commercial electrical contractors: Local contractors familiar with EEIS requirements can handle most projects.

Energy assessors: For complex projects, an energy assessment can quantify savings accurately.

Building advisors: For multi-system projects (lighting plus HVAC plus controls), consider broader energy advice.

For businesses looking at comprehensive building efficiency programs that integrate lighting with other systems, AI consultants Sydney and similar building technology specialists can help, particularly for projects spanning the ACT’s connection with surrounding NSW.

Summary

ACT businesses have access to LED lighting incentives through the EEIS. The programs are retailer-delivered, so contacting ActewAGL or your energy provider is the first step.

Incentive availability and amounts change over time. Verify current offerings before committing to a project. But don’t let incentive uncertainty delay worthwhile projects—the energy savings justify LED upgrades regardless.

James Thornton has been working in commercial lighting for 18 years and is based in Australia.