All Singaporean families living in private properties will receive $400 worth of vouchers to purchase energy-efficient household appliances, including air-conditioners, as part of an expansion of the Climate-Friendly Households Programme.
Announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech on 18 February, the initiative builds on the programme launched in November 2020. In addition, all Housing Development Board (HDB) households will receive an extra $100 in vouchers, bringing the total to $400 for those who have yet to redeem their initial allocation.
Eligible households can claim the vouchers from 15 April, which can be used to purchase 10 types of energy- and water-efficient appliances such as air-conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. The vouchers, valid until 31 December 2027, can be redeemed at more than 150 participating retailers across 500 outlets.
PM Wong emphasised the importance of individual contributions to Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts and said, “Sustainability is everybody’s responsibility. Individuals have the power to drive change through their choices and behaviour.”
Energy-efficient appliances, though often more expensive, lead to lower utility bills and reduced emissions from fossil fuel-based electricity generation.
The expanded programme now covers around 90% of Singaporean households, according to a joint statement by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB. When first introduced, the scheme only benefited households in one- to three-room HDB flats, offering $225 in vouchers for refrigerators, shower fittings, and LED lights. Initial take-up was low, with only 23,000 vouchers redeemed by May 2022 out of a potential 900,000.
The programme, initially set to end in 2023, was extended to March 2024 before being expanded in this year’s Budget to include all HDB households, with voucher values increased from $225 to $300.
