Got questions?
We've got answers.

The program now has multiple suppliers for each upgrade service to give  householders a broader choice of products and providers. Multiple quotes can be provided for each upgrade service to ensure each householder has the right product and the best value.

Each company submitted an application for their service sector through an Expression of Interest process which was assessed through an evaluation panel within Geelong Sustainability. The evaluation criteria included customer service, installation quality, product range and price, locality and any other support.

Check the product is the right size for your needs and compare the different brand performance, the price and the warranty. More information on the different brands is available under the products page Ask the different suppliers any questions you may have or attend one of the Electric Homes events near you to ask additional questions or for further support.

This program is a Geelong Sustainability initiative, delivered in 2026 by local and trusted delivery partners including Premium Partners: Winki Energy, Too Hot to Handle, Enviroflex plus Australian Energy Upgrades, RACV, Heat Pump Central/ Jeztek Plumbing,Stewart Air, EcoHomes and Enfort. The program is also supported by local councils, Barwon Water and  community groups across the region.

The Electric Homes Program is open to households across the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac and Otway, and Golden Plains shires, as well as the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The Electric Homes Program launches September 2026 and will run through till June 2027.

Register your interest and one of our delivery partners will be in touch to answer your questions and provide you with an obligation-free quote.

According to Rewiring Australia, you could save up to $4,958 on running costs per year by going all electric. This includes switching to rooftop solar, split system heating and cooling, a hot water heat pump system, induction cooking and an electric vehicle. That really adds up!

Installation times will vary depending on the product and demand on the program. Typical installation times for solar systems, batteries and electric vehicle chargers are between 6-10 weeks while hot water heat pump systems and split system heating and cooling systems are typically installed within 4-6 weeks. Installation for insulation and draught proofing as well as home energy audits ranges from 2-6 weeks.
Please talk to your consultant to get an accurate estimate of timeframes.

The brands offered by each supplier are divided into standard and premium options. The name of the product brand quoted, the size and associated warranty period will be included within the quote. All quotes will detail the rebates to be included.Each supplier has a range of  product sizes but you will be advised on what option suits your specific electrical needs, size constraints  and your budget. 

Depending on your system, most good-quality solar systems will pay for themselves in around 4-5 years.

When you install solar panels and a battery, your battery will store any excess solar power that's not being used in your home during the day for use later on. So you can power your home with solar energy day and night, reducing your power bill and emissions even further. Some batteries also come with backup power, meaning you could power some or all of your house during a power outage.

When it comes to solar, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. In order to design the right solar system for your needs, our solar delivery partner Winki Energy, will review your energy usage to provide a solution tailored for your needs now and into the future.

Heat pumps are very quiet with the Reclaim heat pump measuring just 37dB and the Apricus heat pump measuring 56dB. For comparison, regular household fridges average around 30-50dB.

The appropriate tank size depends on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage patterns. For instance, a 160L tank is typically suitable for a small household of up to two people, while a larger family may require a 315L or 400L tank.usage patterns. For instance, a 160L tank is typically suitable for a small household of up to two people, whereas a larger family may require a 315L or 400L tank.  

A range of hot water heat pumps have been included in the program from standard through to premium. Products include a premium Reclaim with a separate heat pump and tank and a broad range of all-in-one options.Heat pump brands can be compared on appliance performance, warranty periods and noise levels. Performance is largely measured on the Coefficient of Performance (COP). The premium Reclaim product with a separate tank has the highest COP of 6  with all the all-in-one products having a COP of approximately 4 to 4.5.  Product warranties in this program  range between 5 and 10 years and will be detailed in the quote or on the products page.  

Heat Pumps are very quiet, within the same decibel (Db) range as regular household fridges, which average around 30-50dB. It is also standard practice to heat your water in the middle of the day, when the sun is shining and energy costs are lower. This means the system is not running at night.The noise range typically spans from 37Db (the Reclaim premium range is the quietest) up to 48dB for all-in-one systems.

Only products with low carbon refrigerants ( CO2 or R290) are used in the hot water heat pumps in this program.

Traditionally water used to be heated at off peak times of day when energy was cheaper. Now all products can be programmed to heat up water during the middle of the day when cheaper renewable energy is available. 

Our partners, Too Hot to Handle, Heat Pump Central Jeztek Plumbing and Stewart Air will work with you to identify the right size, which will depend on the size of the space you're heating/cooling.
A range of split system sizes and brands are offered through the program.

Hydronic heating is not included in the program. Please contact Geelong Sustainability directly for a referral to local suppliers for hydronic heating.

A home energy audit involves a professional assessment of your home's energy use. During the audit, the auditor inspects insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. The audit provides recommendations to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and guide your journey of electrifying your home.

The R-value is a measurement of insulation and its ability to resist heat flow. R-values range from 1.5 to 7, with higher numbers indicating more effective insulation at increasing thermal efficiency and better insulating your home.

Once you’ve eliminated your home’s gas usage, you can disconnect your home from the gas network altogether to avoid paying the connection fee. Permanent gas disconnection costs are now capped at $220, though other fees and exit charges may apply. Talk to your utility provider directly to find out more.

In 2025, rebates are available for solar panels, hot water heat pumps, and heating and cooling systems. For eligible households the Victorian Government is offering two rebate programs:
• Solar Homes Program provides rebates of $1,400 for solar panels and up to $1,400 for hot water heat pumps. Interest free loans are also available for solar and battery systems. Eligibility criteria apply.
• Vic Solar Batteries rebates of up to $4000 in 2026/
• Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates which typically range between $450 and $900 for hot water heat pumps, and rebates for heating and cooling systems range from up to $1610 for room reverse-cycle air conditioners and up to $5530 for replacing ducted gas systems depending on the type of unit being installed and replaced. Eligibility criteria apply. Speak to one of our delivery partners to learn more.

Financing options are available for some products through a third-party provider. Please speak with the product delivery partner for further information. Vic Solar also provides Interest free loans are also available for solar and battery systems. Eligibility criteria apply.