Save with Sustainability Rebates

Every Victorian household can receive $250 as part of the Power Saving Bonus program. To receive the payment, you’ll need a recent electricity bill where you are the account holder.

The Power Saving Bonus program provides a $250 payment to each Victorian household, while also showing you the best priced electricity offers in your area.

When you apply for the $250 payment, the Victorian Energy Compare website will help you find the best value energy deal for you. Households can generally save $330 by switching to the best electricity and gas offers in the market.

You do not need to switch electricity offers or retailers, but you will need to spend 5-10 minutes going through the online comparison process to receive the $250.

Click here to claim the $250 Power Saving Bonus and compare energy offers.

Need help claiming the $250 Bonus? You can drop into any Hobsons Bay library and ask one of the librarians to help you. Find your nearest library here.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps households and businesses save money and energy with a range of discounts and special offers on selected energy-saving products and services.

Depending on the upgrade/s, the average household can save between $120 and $1,100 a year on energy costs. Discounts and special offers are only available from accredited providers as listed on the Victorian Energy Saver website (when viewing an offer, scroll down to end of page to see a list of accredited providers operating in your area). 

Heating and cooling: The average Victorian household can spend up to $800 a year on heating alone. By replacing old heating/cooling systems, you can significantly reduce your energy use and costs. All Victorian households wanting to upgrade their heating and cooling systems are eligible to apply for rebates ranging between $60- $6,600. Learn more.

Lighting: Save up to 80% on your lighting costs by installing energy-saving lightbulbs such as LEDs. You can expect a rebate of $60-$180 for upgrading. Learn more.

Hot water systems: Water heating can account for 16% of your energy bill. It’s possible to reduce these costs by upgrading to a more efficient hot water system. You can expect a rebate of $420-$2,100 for upgrading. Learn more.

Water-saving shower heads: By changing your old shower head for a water-saving one, you can make a real difference to your water use and reduce your energy costs. You can expect a rebate of $60 for upgrading. Learn more.

Clothes dryers: Clothes dryers are a major contributor to household energy use. Investing in an energy-efficient electric clothes dryer is a great way to cut down on your energy use and costs. Buy a dryer that meets certain energy efficiency standards to receive a discount/rebate of approximately $60. Learn more. 

Weather sealing: Many Victorian homes have windows, doors and vents that do not seal tightly, allowing hot or cool air to escape. Installing weather sealing products prevents air escaping and keeps the temperature of your home easier to control, requiring less energy use to keep you comfortable. You can expect a rebate of $120-$660 for upgrading. Learn more.

Window glazing: Double glazed windows are very energy efficient, helping reduce heat loss or heat gain by almost 30 per cent in comparison to single glazed windows. Discounts are available for replacing single glazed windows with double glazed windows, or installing a product to existing windows to improve thermal efficiency. Learn more.

Pool pumps: You can cut down on your electricity bills and still have a comfortable swimming pool through energy efficient pool pumps. You can expect a rebate of approximately $240 for upgrading. Learn more.

Televisions: Buy a TV that meets certain energy efficiency standards to receive a discount/rebate of approximately $60, and save a lot of money and energy over many years. Learn more.

In-home energy monitor: An in-home energy display means you can monitor your electricity use as it occurs. The product can help you understand and manage your energy use and reduce costs. You can expect a rebate of approximately $120. Learn more.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program is also available to businesses. Click here for more information.

The Solar Homes program makes it easier for Victorian households to get solar, with a range of rebates for solar panels, solar hot water and solar batteries, along with incentives including interest-free loans to further reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar panel system.

Solar panel rebates for existing homes, and homes under construction: Home-owners can save up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panels on their property, and access a $1,400 interest free loan to install solar panels. Learn more.

Solar battery rebates: You can save up to $2,950 upfront on your solar battery system, and then save up to $640 per year on your energy bills when you install a solar battery. Learn more.

 Solar rebates for rental properties: Eligible landlords can claim a rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panels on their property, slashing the upfront costs of solar while increasing the value and appeal of their property. You can also claim an interest-free loan of up to $1,400. Learn more.

The Victorian Government is providing a 50% rebate of up to $1,000 on eligible solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems.

Solar hot water and heat pump systems use less energy to heat water at home. On average, households that install solar hot water systems can expect to save between $140-$400 per year on their electricity bills.

This is a good option for households where solar panels might not be suitable, or for households that already have solar panels installed.

Click here to learn more.

Download this app for guidance on how to choose more energy efficient lighting and save money just by changing your light bulbs!

 Lighting represents around 10 per cent of the average household electricity bill. Many households can save hundreds of dollars each year simply by installing more efficient lights.

Click here to learn more.

Download the free app now on the iTunes  or Google Play.

The Victorian Government is giving $1,000 to eligible low-income Victorian households who upgrade their gas, electric and wood heaters with energy efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners.

Reverse-cycle air conditioners use less energy than old heating and cooling systems, lowering energy bills while keeping homes warm in winter, and cool in summer.

Eligible households can receive an extra $200 if they need to cap their old gas heater, or $500 for households who need to upgrade their switchboard.

Click here to learn more.  

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard helps you find the best ways to increase energy efficiency in your home, improving comfort and cost.

The scorecard star rating provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of how your home copes with hot and cold weather. This allows you to compare your home’s energy use with similar homes and quickly see how to save money on your bills.

Click here to learn more.

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides a financial incentive for individuals and small businesses to install renewable energy systems, such as solar panel systems, small-scale wind systems, small-scale hydro systems, solar water heaters and hot water heat pumps.

When you install an eligible system, you can be awarded Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on: 

• the amount of renewable electricity the system produces or the amount of electricity consumption it reduces; and
• the climate region where it’s installed. 

These STCs can then be sold. 

STCs will generally be applied directly to your quote by the supplier.

Click here to learn more.

You may be able to receive payment for the excess power you generate through your small-scale renewable energy system, that is fed back into the electricity grid. The amount paid varies between different retailers and can be compared using the Victorian Energy Compare website. 

Click here to learn more.

It can be hard to invest in energy-efficiency home upgrades when you rent. Luckily, there are lots of small, smart acts that will help you save energy and money. 

• When using the heater or air conditioner, close the door to rooms you’re not using (like bathrooms, laundry) and cover places where air can leak out (like air vents, fireplaces, gaps around doors)
• Set your heater or cooler around 20°C. Every degree higher or lower will increase energy use by up to 10%.
• Wash your clothes using cold water.
• Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use.
• Put energy saving LED light globes in your home, and use lamps where possible.
• Keep lids on pots when cooking to reduce cooking time and energy used.
• Try not to open the fridge door too often.
• Take shorter showers – keep it under 4 minutes.

These small acts can make a big impact.