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This program is a Geelong Sustainability initiative, delivered in 2024 by local and reliable business partners: Winki Energy, Too Hot to Handle, Enviroflex, Ephe and hot water heat pump supplier, Reclaim Energy. The program is also supported by local councils and community groups across the G21 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 has now closed for 2024. It launched on 28 August, and ran until 30 November 2024. Watch an event to find out more.

The 2024 program has now closed. Sign up to the Geelong Sustainability enewsletter to find out when the 2025 program launches.

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.

In 2024, 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 a $1,400 rebate for solar panels and $1,000 rebate for hot water heat pumps. Interest free loans are also available for solar and battery systems. Eligibility criteria apply.
• Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates of $450 to $800 for hot water heat pumps, and rebates for heating and cooling systems range from $200 to $2,500 depending on the type of unit being installed and replaced. Eligibility criteria apply. Speak to one of our delivery partners to learn more.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Our partner, Too Hot to Handle, 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 is 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.

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.

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 and reduce costs.

Financing options are available for some products through a third-party provider. Please speak with the product delivery partner for further information.