FAQs — Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme
What is the purpose of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?
HK Electric launches the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme to subsidise non-residential customers including SMEs to retrofit or install energy-efficient equipment, including LED lights, air-conditioners with Grade 1 energy label and high energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.
When will the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme be launched?
Applications will be accepted from 1 January, 2020. For details, please visit HK Electric website (www.hkelectric.com/RM-en). The Programme is valid until 31 December, 2023.
Who is eligible for applying for the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?
HK Electric's non-residential customers (except temporary supply and government accounts) may apply for a capped subsidy to retrofit or install energy-efficient equipment at their premises.
What kinds of electrical equipment are included under the Energy-Efficient Subsidy Programme?
Eligible equipment includes:
Category 1
1. LED light bulb, downlight, light tube, light strip and panel light
2. Window or split type air-conditioners with Grade 1 energy label under the "Mandatory Energy-Efficiency Labelling Scheme" - Must be on the "Record of Listed Models in the Mandatory Energy-efficiency Labelling Scheme" (MEELS) by EMSD. Registration record can be found in EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel).
Category 2
1. High energy-efficient air-conditioning systems NOT under the "Mandatory Energy-efficiency Labelling Scheme",
i. including air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, variable refrigerant flow systems, and unitary air-conditioners; and
ii. must be of performance better than minimum coefficient of performance stipulated in the latest version of "Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation" issued by EMSD. The document can be accessed through www.emsd.gov.hk/beeo .
If retrofitting of original equipment which are for communal use at buildings, which subsidy should I apply?
For retrofitting of original equipment which are for communal use at buildings, the applicant shall first apply for Smart Power Building Fund (SPBF) (www.hkelectric.com/SPBF-en); the respective application for participating in this Programme will only be considered if the retrofitting of the original equipment under the application cannot be subsidised by the SPBF.
What is the subsidy amount for this programme? Are the equipment installation costs included?
Eligible customers can receive 50% of purchase net price of the equipment after relevant discount, excluding delivery and installation charges. For category 1 equipment, the subsidy amount is capped at HK$50,000 per account; for category 2 equipment, the subsidy amount is capped at HK$150,000. The aggregate of subsidies under both Category 1 and Category 2 is subject to an overall cap of HK$150,000 between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023 inclusive while funding of the Scheme lasts.
How to apply for the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?
Eligible customers can download the application form on the HK Electric website and submit the completed application form (together with the proof of purchase, goods delivery note (if any) and completed Appendix I with photos attached for Category 1 application) to HK Electric via email (sme@hkelectric.com) or by post (Head of Customer Business Development, Customer Services Division, 4/F, Hongkong Electric Centre, 44 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong).
How will the subsidy amount of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme be disbursed?
Subsidy will be disbursed to the designated electricity account and will be used for paying electricity charges. The subsidy payment will be used for paying electricity charges after the Government's Electricity Charges Subsidy (if any) in the electricity account has been fully utilized for electricity charges payment.
What is the application procedure for this programme?
For category 1 equipment, customers can submit application form AFTER installation with necessary documents. After assessing the application by HK Electric, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) will conduct sample post-installation inspection. HK Electric will disburse subsidy to the designated electricity account for approved application.
For category 2 equipment, customers shall submit application form together with necessary document BEFORE installation. HK Electric will assess application and conduct pre-installation inspection.The Applicant can proceed to purchase and install the equipment upon HK Electric's approval. After installation, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) will again conduct post-installation inspection and disburse subsidy to the designated electricity account upon satisfactory post-installation inspection.
Can I apply for this programme if the energy-efficient equipment is replaced or upgraded before 1 January, 2020?
The energy-efficient equipment must be purchased or replaced within the period between 1 January, 2020 to 31 December, 2023, and met the requirement of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme to be eligible.
How can I check the application progress?
Successful applicant will receive a confirmation email from HK Electric. For enquiries, please contact us during office hours at 2510 2701 or email to sme@hkelectric.com.