Bigger steps. Switch to electric to reduce your power bills and be part of the energy transition.
Electrify your home
Electric homes can cut household energy bills by close to 60% and remove the health impacts of gas cooking and heating.
We're running online information sessions to show you how to 'power up' to all-electric.
How to prepare to go electric
- Do your research and make a plan. Your plan should include what to upgrade and when, based on your budget.
- Talk to a licensed electrician to receive a quote and to evaluate your electrical panel and wiring. They will determine whether you need any modifications to accommodate the additional electrical demands, such as installing extra circuits. Most households won't need to make significant upgrades to their wiring, but check with your electrician.
- Access government support:
- Find discounted energy-saving products through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU), you can also assess your home's energy efficiency rating through the Residential Efficiency Scorecard. The Residential Efficiency Scorecard rates your home's energy use and comfort, and provides tailored recommendations for improvements.
- Check whether you’re eligible for Solar Victoria rebates.
- Learn more about Australian Government discounts through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
- Search for available rebates and assistance from the Victorian and federal governments.
- Reach out to your local council to see if there are any incentives in your area. Some councils also offer Home Energy Efficiency kits for people to borrow.
Making the switch to electric
Choose the most energy-efficient electric appliances as they need replacing, or when you can.
- Replace your gas heater with a reverse-cycle air conditioner and use it for heating and cooling. Check if you are eligible to apply for a discount on a heating and cooling system. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most energy-efficient heaters and coolers. Find out more in the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Buyers Guide. Divide your home into zones so you only heat and cool the rooms you are using.
- Replace your hot water system with solar hot water or heat pump hot water. Solar hot water is the most energy efficient, but Victorians may require an electric booster to ensure they have reliable hot water all year around. Heat pump hot water systems use 60-75% less electricity than a conventional electric hot water system. Check if you’re eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to install an energy efficient heat pump system. You can also receive a discount on your hot water system via the VEU program.
- Replace your gas cooktop with an induction cooktop. As well as being far more energy-efficient, induction cooktops are faster and safer to use, heat and cool very quickly, and are easier to clean and more precise, so you have greater control over your cooking. The VEU program will include induction cooktops in the second half of 2024.
- Install a home solar system. You can find out how much you will save on your energy bills using the Solar Savings Calculator. To learn more about installing a solar system, read the Solar Panel Buyers Guide. Eligible households can also receive a $1,400 rebate to lower the upfront costs of installation and the option of a $1,400 interest-free loan. When you install a solar system, you can choose to connect to the electricity transmission grid, which means energy you don’t use is returned to the electricity grid for use by other Victorians. In addition, you may install a solar battery, so you can use more of the energy you generate. Find out more in the Solar Battery Buyers Guide. Eligible households can access an $8,800 interest-free loan to lower the upfront costs of installation.
Other energy efficient modifications
- Ensure your home is well-insulated. Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
- Install energy-efficient windows with double or triple-pane glass and low-emissivity coatings.