SEC delivering energy bill savings for schools

SEC has helped 21 Victorian schools collectively save more than $440,000 on their electricity bills, and more is set to come with the launch of a bill-busting digital tool.

By reviewing schools’ electricity bill network charges and working with electricity networks to alter tariffs, SEC has so far saved the 21 schools between $7,300 to more than $50,000 each year.

SEC has now also launched a digital Network Tariff Optimisation Tool which will allow the review of thousands of sites in bulk. The aim is to review approximately 1,400 Victorian Government schools by the end of September.

SEC’s public-school customers are among more than 4,400 Victorian government sites and operations SEC has retailed 100% renewable electricity to since July 2025.

SEC General Manager, Customer, Suzanne Retschko said the company was committed to delivering value to all its customers, starting with schools.

“Every dollar a school saves on electricity is money that can be invested in educating the next generation of Victorian children. That's why SEC has been working alongside the Department of Education and the distribution networks to review electricity network tariffs across Victorian schools,” Ms Retschko said.

“We go the extra mile to help. For example, SEC recently worked closely with AusNet to review network tariff charges for more than seven schools. AusNet agreed to reduce the charges, taking account of the schools’ usage while still reflecting the network assets and capacity established to support each site”.

“Now, with the launch of our tool, we can review the network tariffs of all the school sites we power within about two months - an incredibly efficient way to help identify potential savings. And, with network charges representing on average around 45% of energy bills, the savings can really add up.”

Kuyim Primary School, in Pakenham, is one of the 12 schools SEC has already helped save on their electricity bills. SEC account managers discovered the school had been placed on a network tariff designed for large industrial sites using up to 750 megawatt hours a year when the school only uses about 150 megawatt hours of electricity a year.

SEC worked with the local electricity network to reclassify the school and alter its tariff, reducing the school’s total electricity bill by around $4,500 a month, or $54,000 a year.

“We are committed to identifying opportunities, challenge unnecessary costs, and help direct savings back to where they belong - in this case, into classrooms,” Ms Retschko said.

In addition to retailing electricity to Victorian government customers, SEC is helping Victorian businesses take control of their energy costs, with a suite of new 100% renewable electricity and energy solutions. To find out more visit SEC - Businesses.