Electrify Everything

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. 

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

• Click here for guidance on switching to an induction cooktop.

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 

• Click here for useful guidance on choosing an efficient electric hot water system to meet your needs.

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 loans: Solar Victoria solar battery loans will reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar battery, with repayments made over a four-year period. There are 4,500 interest-free loans of up to $8,800 available in 2023-24. 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 

• Step by step guide: Installing solar power(PDF, 1MB)

• Step by step guide: Using solar power(PDF, 1MB)

• Click here to visit the Victorian Government's Solar Homes website.

Buying greenpower - Tuesday 28 February 2023 

Finding a greenpower option can be fraught with complexity. This expert-led workshop helps people find a deal that's good for them and the earth.

All-electric homes - Tuesday 2 May 2023

Tune in for the latest advice on transitioning to electric appliances, which are healthier, cheaper to run, better for the environment and essential to a comfortable, modern home.

Energy in the community - 20 May 2023

New technologies are on the horizon, creating opportunities for people to meet their energy needs in super efficient ways. Tune in to learn about virtual power plants, neighbourhood and community batteries, energy sharing, microgrids, solar gardens and other opportunities available to you now or in the near future.

Winter Energy Efficiency for Renters - 17 July 2023

Energy efficient homes are more comfortable and cheaper to heat, and there are some simple improvements you can make even in a rental property. Tune in to find out more.

Winter Energy Efficiency for Home Owners - 17 July 2023

With rising energy prices, now is the time to make your home more energy efficient. Not only will you save money, but you will be warmer this winter. So where do you start, and what things are best to prioritise? Tune in to this webinar to find out more.

Electric Vehicles - 24 July 2023

With fuel prices rising steadily, it’s time for Australians to embrace electric vehicles. But finding independent advice can be tricky! Tune in to find out the information that you need to go electric.

Solar and Batteries - 15 August 2023

Choosing the right rooftop solar for your home can be difficult, and home battery setups can be equally confusing. This webinar will give you the information that you need to make informed choices.

Summer Energy Efficiency - 22 November 2023

During Summer heatwaves, energy efficiency in the home becomes crucial for health as well as comfort. Yet many Australian homes need major improvement, and some changes are simple and affordable. Watch this webinar to find out more.

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)

An electric vehicle (or EV) is propelled by an electric motor instead of a petrol (or diesel, or LPG) fuelled engine.

To charge your EV, you can plug it in at home, at work, at some shopping centres and car parks, or at special charging stations. If you have solar panels, charging your EV could be extremely cheap, or even free.

Step by step guide: Buying electric vehicles(PDF, 735KB)

Step by step guide: Using electric vehicles(PDF, 722KB)

Debunking the top 6 EV myths

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)

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)

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)