South Australians have access to a lesser-known program that can significantly reduce household and business energy bills. The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme, or REPS, works differently to most rebates, focusing on practical upgrades that permanently reduce energy use or shift demand away from peak times. In 2026, as cost-of-living pressures continue, REPS remains one of the most effective ways for South Aussies to save without major upfront costs.
Rather than offering a cash payment, REPS places obligations on large energy retailers to meet state energy productivity targets. Retailers do this by funding or discounting approved energy-saving upgrades in homes and businesses. The result is lower upfront costs for customers, reduced ongoing energy use, and a more stable electricity grid during periods of high demand.
What is REPS and how does it work?
REPS is a South Australian Government scheme, improving energy productivity across the state. Energy retailers meet their targets by delivering approved activities, which range from efficiency upgrades to demand response participation. These activities are delivered through accredited providers and are often free or heavily discounted, with costs covered by retailers as part of their compliance requirements.
For households and businesses, the benefit is twofold. You pay less upfront for upgrades that would otherwise be expensive, and you continue saving through lower energy bills over time. Unlike one-off rebates, REPS focuses on long-term outcomes rather than short-term incentives.
Who can access the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme?
REPS is available to a broad range of South Australians, including homeowners, renters, small and medium businesses, and community or not-for-profit organisations. Importantly, you do not need to be a customer of the retailer offering the upgrade, which allows you to compare options and choose the most suitable offer.
Additional support is available for priority group households. This includes concession card holders, low-income renters, and households participating in retailer hardship programs. These groups may be eligible for higher-value upgrades or fully subsidised installations, depending on the activity and provider.
What upgrades are covered under REPS in 2026?
REPS covers a wide range of approved energy productivity activities, with availability depending on which retailers and providers are active at the time. Common household upgrades include:
- Ceiling insulation and insulation top-ups
- Efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning
- Heat pump and other efficient electric hot water systems
- Efficient showerheads and secondary glazing retrofits
These upgrades reduce everyday energy demand and improve year-round comfort, particularly during South Australia’s hot summers and cool winters.
Some REPS offers also extend to appliances and pool equipment, such as:
- High-efficiency fridges
- Freezers
- Dryers
- Fridge removal services
- Efficient pool pumps
For priority households, these upgrades may be provided at no cost, while other households can still access substantial discounts.
REPS is also increasingly supporting flexible energy and demand response options in 2026. This includes:
- Connecting home batteries to Virtual Power Plants
- Enrolling EV chargers in demand response programs
- Linking hot water systems, HVAC, or pool pumps to approved aggregators
- Switching to time-of-use electricity tariffs where appropriate
These options help reduce peak demand and can complement solar, battery, and EV ownership.
How much can you save with REPS?
Savings under REPS vary depending on the upgrade, the retailer offer, and how energy is used at the property. There is no single savings figure that applies to every household. Generally, savings come from reduced upfront costs for the upgrade itself and ongoing reductions in energy bills from lower consumption or better load management.
Upgrades such as insulation, heating and cooling, and hot water systems typically deliver the largest long-term savings because they address major sources of energy use. Demand response programs can provide additional value over time, particularly for households already investing in batteries or electric vehicles.
How to maximise your REPS savings in 2026
To get the most value from REPS, start by targeting your largest energy loads, which are usually heating, cooling, and hot water. These upgrades tend to deliver the strongest and most consistent savings over time. It is also worth speaking with multiple retailers or providers, as each chooses which activities to support, and offers can vary significantly.
Where possible, consider combining REPS with federal incentives, such as Small-scale Technology Certificates for eligible hot water systems. This can further reduce upfront costs and improve payback periods. Renters should not assume REPS is out of reach, as many activities do not require structural changes, and landlord approval is often straightforward for efficiency upgrades.
Finally, be cautious with unsolicited offers. Legitimate REPS providers must clearly identify themselves and provide written information about the upgrade and complaint pathways. If something does not feel right, it is reasonable to walk away and seek another provider.
Is the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme worth it?
For most South Australian households and businesses, REPS is well worth exploring. It reduces energy bills without complex paperwork, supports long-term efficiency improvements, and works alongside other electrification and clean energy upgrades. In 2026, REPS remains one of South Australia’s most practical and underused energy-saving opportunities.
Ready to make some big changes to reduce your reliance on the grid? Get FREE Quotes for solar, batteries, and energy-efficient products with Energy Matters. We’ll connect you with installers who are ready to provide you with no-obligation quotes that are tailored to your needs.
