Victorian households in Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges are the latest to gain access to the State Electricity Commission’s (SEC) consumer pilot, which aims to help families cut energy bills by switching to more efficient appliances.
The expansion of the program, announced by Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio, will give eligible households access to a verified SEC installer to supply and fit an energy-efficient hot water heat pump.
The program also includes access to the SEC’s online electric home planner, which provides tailored recommendations based on each home’s energy use, along with estimated costs, return on investment, and available rebates and discounts.
Households in the new trial areas can receive a free quote from a verified installer, who can also conduct a site visit to help determine the most suitable heat pump system.
According to the government, heating water accounts for roughly 20 per cent of a typical household’s energy use. Replacing older systems with modern heat pumps could save households up to $330 per year on energy bills.
Savings are expected to be even higher for homes with rooftop solar, as electricity generated by the system can be used to heat water during the day.
The electric home planner calculates applicable rebates and discounts, including a $1000 rebate under the solar homes program and an additional $500 discount through the Victorian energy upgrades program for eligible households.
The SEC initially launched the pilot in Ballan, with additional trials in Casey, Merri-bek and Ballarat. So far, more than 100,000 Victorian households have accessed SEC information tools, including over 10,000 who have used the electric home planner.
D’Ambrosio said the expansion is part of the SEC’s goal to simplify the switch to electric appliances.
“The SEC is building a one-stop shop to make it easier for Victorians to get trusted information so they can make the switch to energy efficient electric appliances and start saving money on their energy bills,” D’Ambrosio said.
“This takes the guesswork out of trying to figure out what model of heat pump is best for you. It works out the yearly savings, return on investment and eligible government rebates and discounts, to make the process fast and simple.”
Households in Maroondah, the Yarra Ranges and Ballan can explore options at secvictoria.com.au/heatpumphotwater, or access the SEC electric home planner via secvictoria.com.au/powerup.
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