Electrify Everything
Have your appliances seen better days? It's time to electrify!
Did you know? From 1 January 2024, gas connections in new homes will be banned in Victoria. The State Government is phasing gas out of households because of the rising cost of gas bills, health concerns, and to help communities reduce emissions for a cleaner, brighter future.
So when it’s time to replace your household appliances, choose electric.
Electric appliances are healthier, cheaper to run, better for the environment, and essential to a comfortable, modern home.
There are also a range of rebates and government support programs to help you make the switch.
Heating and cooling
One of the best ways to keep bills under control and reduce your environmental footprint is through a reverse cycle air conditioner that can both heat and cool your home.
Why electric?
According to the Victorian Government, the average household spends a third of their energy bill (up to $800 per year) just on heating! An efficient electric heating/cooling system will significantly reduce these costs, and the energy use, associated with heating and cooling your home.
Government support
- Discounts on purchasing a new heating/cooling system: You could get a discount of up to $8,400 when you replace an old system or purchase a new system. Click here to learn more.
Learn more
- Click here for information on buying the right heating/cooling system for your home. Please note although the focus of this information is on heating, there is excellent information on dual heating/cooling systems.
Cooking
Induction stovetops heat food quickly while leaving the surrounding surfaces cool to touch. You’ll also avoid the health risks of inhaling emissions from gas stoves.
Why electric?
Induction cooktops are fast, responsive and energy efficient. They’re safer than gas because there’s no open flame, you can typically set cook times (so if you forget, it switches off), and heat indicators let you know when the hot plates are safe to touch. Induction cooktops are also much easier to clean than the grooves and furrows of a gas stovetop.
Additionally, scientists have found that around 12% of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking (National Asthma Council).
Learn more
Hot water
Many households find themselves in a rush to purchase a new hot water system only after their existing system fails.
Any hot water system is a significant long-term investment, so it's worth looking at different options before your existing system gives out. That way you can select one that provides enough hot water to your household while saving you money and energy — even if you need to make the purchase at short notice.
Why electric?
According to the Victorian Government, around 18% of the average household's energy is used to heat water in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. An efficient hot water system will typically use 60-75% less electricity than conventional hot water systems, saving households $140-$400 per year on bills.
Government support
- Rebates to replace your old system: Claim up to $1,000 when you replace your old hot water heater with an efficient electric or solar hot water system (solar panels not required). Click here to learn more.
- Rebates to install a hot water system and solar panels: Claim up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan to install solar panels with your hot water system. Click here to learn more.
- Discounts on upgrading your hot water system: You can get a discount of up to $1,320 to upgrade your hot water system. Click here to learn more.
Learn more
Solar panels
Solar panels can be put on your home’s roof to collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. Installing solar is a great way to combat rising energy prices and reduce your household's greenhouse emissions.
It's easier than ever for Victorian households to get solar, with a range of rebates along with incentives including interest-free loans to reduce the up-front cost of installing a solar panel system.
Government support
- 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. Click here to 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. Click here to 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. Click here to learn more.
Learn more
Want to go further?
Learn about other green energy technology below.
Batteries
A home battery works a lot like any rechargeable battery. You can charge it up to store electricity, and then use it to power your home later.
Battery systems are usually designed to save unused power from solar panels, but they can also be set up to store electricity from the electricity grid.
Step by step guide: Installing solar batteries(PDF, 898KB)
Step by step guide: Using solar batteries(PDF, 599KB)
Off-grid living
Going off-grid means not being connected to the energy grid that traditionally brings people electricity.
It often refers to a fully electric house, where things like cooking, hot water and heating have all been upgraded from gas technology to electric. To do this successfully, you need to have the right equipment to produce all the electricity you need, and that can make it available when you need it. Going off-grid means you can provide your own electricity without relying on energy companies.
Step by step guide: Going off-grid(PDF, 687KB)
Virtual Power Plants
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a large number of small solar panel and battery systems installed at lots of different properties that are operated as a group by an energy business.
If you have solar energy installed at home, you may be able to become part of a VPP, and sell the energy you produce back to the grid. VPP operators have agreements with residents about how much and how often they will use your solar or batteries, and what they will give you in payment.
Step by step guide: Virtual Power Plants(PDF, 828KB)
Energy monitoring
Home energy monitoring products are apps or devices that record and display your energy usage in real time, so you have better information about how you use energy and what it costs you.
They are sometimes called ‘In-Home Displays’ because they originally were small standalone devices with a display screen, though these days they are more likely to be phone apps or websites.
Step by step guide: Energy monitoring(PDF, 803KB)