In an effort to promote energy and water efficiency in households, the Singapore government has announced that all Housing Board (HDB) households will soon receive S$300 in Climate Vouchers. These vouchers can be used to purchase a range of energy- and water-efficient appliances, including refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, shower fittings, LED lights, water closets, basin taps and mixers, sink/bib taps and mixers, heat pump water heaters, and direct current fans.
The Climate Vouchers are part of the Climate Friendly Households Programme, which was introduced in November 2020 to help families in three-room or smaller HDB flats save on utility bills. Previously, only families in one-, two-, and three-room flats were eligible for these vouchers. However, starting from April 15, all HDB households will be able to benefit from this program.
“With these enhancements, we hope to incentivise more households to choose resource-efficient options from the outset, or when their appliances and fittings are due for replacement,” Dr Khor said in parliament during her ministry’s budget debate.
How to claim and spend the Climate Vouchers
Claiming and spending the vouchers is simple and convenient. HDB households can easily claim their Climate Vouchers online at RedeemSG using their Singpass accounts. Only one household member needs to claim the vouchers, and an SMS with a link will be sent to the registered Singpass phone number of the person who claimed them. This link can then be shared with other household members to use the vouchers. For those who require assistance, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has set up a hotline to provide support.
To use the vouchers, customers need to provide proof of address at participating retail outlets. They can then select the amount to spend and generate a QR code by tapping on “show voucher.” After scanning the QR code, the amount will be deducted from the final bill, making the purchase more affordable.
The vouchers will be valid from Apr 15 this year until the end of December 2027.
What items can the Climate Vouchers be used for
From Apr 15, these vouchers can soon be used to buy 10 types of energy- and water-efficient household products:
- Refrigerators – three ticks and above
- Air-conditioners – five ticks
- Washing machines – four ticks
- Shower fittings – three ticks
- LED lights – two ticks and above
- Water closets – three ticks
- Basin taps and mixers – three ticks
- Sink/bib taps and mixers – three ticks
- Heat pump water heaters
- Direct current fans
The expanded list of eligible appliances demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency. For refrigerators, air-conditioners, and washing machines, a rating system known as “ticks” identifies their energy efficiency. The higher the number of ticks, the more energy-efficient the appliance is. Refrigerators are rated from one to four ticks, while air-conditioners have a rating of up to five ticks. LED lights should have a rating of two ticks and above to be eligible. This rating system helps consumers understand the energy performance and cost savings associated with their purchases.
In addition to the current eligible appliances, the government has also announced plans to extend the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme and Minimum Energy Performance Standards to household water heaters and commercial refrigerators from April 1, 2025. This initiative aims to phase out the least energy-efficient water heaters and commercial fridges and introduce a five-tick rating scale for both appliances.
Participating Retailers
- Audiohouse
- Bathroom Warehouse
- Best Denki
- Chuan Heng Hardware Trading
- Courts
- Dairy Farm Retail Group (Giant)*
- Dairy Farm Retail Group (Cold Storage)*
- FairPrice
- Gain City
- Harvey Norman
- Mega Discount Store
- Sheng Siong
- T.S. Yong Trading
- Woodlands Domestic Electrical*
*Refers to new retailers who will join enhanced CFHP
Choosing the right size and capacity is another important consideration when purchasing appliances. Not everyone needs a large refrigerator or air-conditioner, as these are among the most energy-intensive home appliances. The National Environment Agency (NEA) advises buyers to opt for the smallest size that meets their needs. Energy-efficient models may have a higher purchase price initially, but they result in lower life cycle costs due to reduced electricity consumption over time. NEA’s Life Cycle Cost Calculator helps consumers calculate and compare the long-term costs of different models.
When buying air-conditioners, it is important to select the right cooling capacity. Oversized or undersized units can operate inefficiently and lead to higher electricity bills. A two-tick model could cost around S$303 more in electricity bills per year compared to a five-tick air-conditioner, based on an electricity cost of 29.9 cents per kWh.
Overall, the S$300 Climate Vouchers provide an excellent opportunity for HDB households to upgrade their appliances to more energy- and water-efficient options. By making smart choices and utilizing the vouchers wisely, households can not only benefit from cost savings on utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
