Key takeaways
If you live in Victoria and you’re thinking of switching from gas to electric appliances, your local council may be able to help.
This article is a guide to some general support that may be available through councils, to help you switch to electric.
Local council incentives and programs can change. To see what’s available in your area, check your council’s website or contact them directly about switching to electric. You can find your council’s website and contact information via the Victorian councils map.
Switching from gas to electric?
Information, education and trusted guidance for all
Your local council may be able to help you understand how to go electric, connect you to government rebates and programs, and explain what the changes mean for your home.
Councils can play a practical role in helping you plan the switch from gas to electric products and appliances by:
- providing general information, education and trusted guidance. It brings together local, state and Australian government electric rebate information so you’re clear about what’s available and what you could be eligible for.
- providing specific information about going electric, for example, letting you know about new building electrification rules, including minimum building standards for new homes, or referring you to the appropriate state body
- making it tangible with information sessions and pop-up events, getting you more acquainted with electric products – like induction cooking appliances, heat pump hot water systems, reverse cycle heating and cooling, and solar and batteries
- providing written resources, including fact sheets and FAQs, to help you plan your electric journey.
Some Victorian councils have taken a more active role in supporting households to move from gas to electric homes. This support can include pilot projects, local planning schemes and, in some cases, subsidies, rebates or assistance.
If you’re not sure where to start, contacting your council’s customer service team is often a good first step.
Renter-specific support
In Victoria, local councils support renters by:
- applying planning rules that mandate minimum housing standards and allelectric homes (key protections come from state legislation)
- promoting state programs like Victorian Energy Upgrades and how, as a renter, you can engage with them.
Some councils provide free energy advice and resources that’s applicable for renters, and cover topics like:
- tips on lowering energy bills without making changes to a property
- understanding renter rights, including details around minimum standards.
Some also have rebates or subsidies that support renter-friendly energy upgrades.
How to contact your local council
What’s available varies by council and changes over time, so check your local council’s website for current programs. You can find it and their contact information using the Victorian councils map.
Explore the rebates you could be eligible for
Use Easy Electric SEC to explore going electric. You can model your current energy usage and see what it could look like if you switch gas or old electric products to energy-efficient, electric products. Your online estimate includes the government rebates and discounts you could be eligible for.
And if you like what you see, go ahead and request an obligation-free quote from one or more SEC-endorsed installers near you. They’ll work with you to understand your energy goals and budget, and create a quote based on your conversation.
