New grant scheme seeks to make getting off gas easier for Victorian households

Victoria’s Labor government continues its push to get millions of households across the state off gas and switch them on to efficient electric appliances, with the launch of a new community grant scheme.

The Community Electrification Engagement Program, launched on Friday, will award grant funding of up to $110,000 to charities, not-for-profits and community groups that provide advice, education and assistance to households wishing to go electric. 

State energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio says the program aims tobreak down barriers to going electric by connecting locals with suppliers and businesses that can help, while also improving access to various government rebates, subsidies and other dedicated electrificaiton services. 

“Going electric can be a complicated process, so having a trusted local organisation you can turn to for guidance or help with the process is critical to making sure Victorians get the energy bill savings they deserve,” D’Ambrosio said in a statement.

“We’re making sure more Victorians can access rebates and discounts on efficient electric appliances and save on their energy bills.”

D’Ambrosio says average households in the state can save around $2,000 a year on energy bills by converting an existing home with solar panels from gas to electricity. For non-solar households, the annual savings amounts to $2,700 when a rooftop PV system is added.

Already, through the state’s Solar Homes program eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program also offers discounts on appliances ranging from heat pumps to cooktops.

The Community Electrification Engagement Program is part of the Allan government’s $3.73 million Community Power Hubs program, and the Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program.

Applications for the grants are open until April 14.