Thousands of Aussies to save $500 through new cost-of-living boost

The initiative plans to help residents with cost-of-living pressures by reducing water and energy bills through new, efficient washing machines. Source: Getty

Thousands of residents in New South Wales are being offered the opportunity to upgrade one of their most expensive home appliances at a fraction of the cost as part of a new cost-of-living initiative from the state government. 

For $250, eligible households on low incomes can swap their old washing machine for a brand new one valued at $749.

The program is being offered by NSW's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water [DCCEEW], and aims to swap out older machines for new energy and water-efficient models. The upgrade is expected to save each household up to $250 per year on energy and water costs, effectively paying itself off in the first 12 months.

There are 8,000 new Westinghouse 8kg front-loaders available in the program. Read on to find out how to get one.

In order to participate in the Washing Machine Exchange Program, applicants must be NSW residents and over the age of 18.

You must also hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Low Income Card from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

You must also have an existing top loader machine that you're willing to exchange.

All of these requirements must be met in order to apply.

The NSW Government has partnered with The Good Guys for the Washing Machine Exchange program. Source: DCCEEW

At the moment, only old top-loader washing machines are being accepted, as they are "up to 60 per cent less water and energy efficient than front loader washing machines", a spokesperson from DCCEEW told Yahoo. 

Using less water per cycle is not only good for the environment, but it will also save you money on your water bill.

"We invite people who have older top loaders that are on their last legs or are simply chewing through too much water and electricity to apply," the spokesperson said.

"This initiative from the NSW Government’s water efficiency program is about hard-wiring water savings and providing ongoing cost-of-living relief for those who need it most, making their lives a bit easier while also helping the environment."

Old top loaders that are exchanged will be recycled through The Good Guys, who have partnered with DCCEEW to provide, deliver and install the machines for the same $250 cost. There's also a two-year warranty included. The machine on offer, the Westinghouse EasyCare 8kg front-loader, sells on The Good Guys website for $749.

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the program "could not come at a better time".

“We know people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, and high water and energy bills are a huge part of that," she said.

“We’re not just talking about cost-of-living relief, we’re delivering it. This program will lower power bills, cut water use, and make life a little bit easier for thousands of people.

“These new washing machines are not only good news to help people save, they’re better for the environment too, saving an estimated 20,000 litres of water each year.”

Applicants are reminded to check the dimensions of the Westinghouse machine to make sure there is sufficient space in their laundry before applying. 

This article originally appeared on Yahoo News Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/thousands-of-aussies-to-save-500-through-new-cost-of-living-boost-053832956.html

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