If you’re ready to Power up your house to electric or want to know more, we’re here to help. On this page, you can:
- access our electric home planner to create your personalised plan
- join our information sessions (you can catch up below)
- learn more about going electric.
Power up to electric information sessions
Watch our Power up information sessions
Power up to electric - introduction
Hear from experts and others who have made the switch to all-electric. Learn how to get it right from day one. Hit play to watch the recording.
Power up to electric – make a plan
Learn about the SEC electric home planner, range of government rebates available and top tips on what to ask an installer.
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. SEC’s electric home planner can help you build your plan. The user-friendly tool walks you through a short survey to tailor a plan that includes suggestions for suitable appliances, including indicative costs, return on investment, government rebates, and emissions reductions.
- 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 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.
What you can do at the right time for you
Choose the most energy-efficient electric appliances as they need replacing, or when you can.
Heating and cooling
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.
Hot water
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.
Cooking
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 soon include induction cooktops.
Solar
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 grid, which means energy you don’t use is sent to the grid for use by other Victorians.
Solar battery
You can also 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.
