SEC helps households switch to electric and save 

26 August 2024

With some of the coldest days on record, Dev Vrat Bohra and Meenu Malik have been cautiously watching their energy bills this winter.

Dev Vrat and Meenu are some of the many Victorians considering making the switch to all-electric to save on their home energy bills.

“We have already switched our heating to electric and seen huge savings, but still have instant gas hot water. With four people living under the one roof, it does add up,” said Dev Vrat, a project engineer who lives in Narre Warren.

To help Victorians like Dev Vrat and Meenu, the SEC has launched a state-wide campaign to show how switching to electric can be easier than people expect.

The campaign highlights improvements available to households on all budgets. This includes small, cost-effective steps that can be taken immediately, to larger investments that can be made when households are ready.

This is all part of the SEC’s work to help Victorians understand their home energy use, educate on the benefits of going electric and provide support for households to make the switch.

The SEC is supporting Victorian homes to switch to electric

The SEC is back

The SEC is also piloting a new digital platform that takes the guesswork out of going electric. The platform walks users through a short survey about their home and then tailors a plan to cut their energy bills by going electric. It includes suggestions for suitable appliances, including indicative costs, return on investment, government rebates, and emissions reductions.

The pilot is rolling out initially in the Cities of Casey and Merri-bek. Households in those areas can use the planner to develop a personalised plan and also connect with an SEC-vetted installer that services their local area. The SEC will extend the pilot to residents of Ballarat in late September.

If you live outside these council areas, you can still use our planner to start your electric home plan.

The pilot is a key step in developing the SEC into a one-stop shop to help Victorians cut their energy bills and emissions.

Modelling shows that an average Victorian household with gas and electric appliances can reduce their annual energy bill by around 32% (or $1,400) by switching to all-electric. The savings rise to around 62% – more than $2,700 a year – by adding solar.

“We know people can reduce their energy bills by switching to electric,” says SEC CEO Chris Miller. “We can show Victorians how to go electric one step at a time and be part of Victoria’s energy transition.”

As for Dev Vrat and Meenu, the bill savings will mean more money to spend on the family and things to look forward to like holidays and travel.