Renewable switch program charges up again

GEELONG Sustainability has officially launched the second edition of its highly successful program aimed at helping households make the transition from gas to renewable energy and efficient electric appliances.

The Electric Homes Program launch, which took place last week at the Geelong West Town Hall, was attended by 150 community members eager to learn about the benefits of switching to electric living.

The event began with a Welcome to Country by Kristi Watts from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, which was followed by an overview of the program and its goals by Geelong Sustainability chief executive Dan Cowdell.

“The Electric Homes Program is designed to make it easy for homeowners to save money on their energy bills, reduce emissions, switch off gas and live more comfortably in their home,” Mr Cowdell said.

“We’ve done all the hard work by partnering with local businesses that offer quality products, excellent customer service and special pricing.”

Last year’s program assisted more than 300 households to install new appliances in their homes for an estimated combined annual saving of more than $200,000 on their energy bills and an environmental impact equivalent to removing 183 cars from the road.

This year, the Electric Homes Program has an even broader range of products and services on offer for participants than last year, with options spanning from hot water heat pumps and induction cooktop installations to draught proofing, home energy audits and home insulation.

The program is open to all residents across the City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire, the Colac Otway Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe, with every system sold contributing to the donation of solar and heat pumps to households in the community who otherwise cannot afford them.

For those who missed the program’s Geelong launch, a second in-person information session will be held at the Surf Coast Shire’s council chambers at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay on September 12 between 5.45pm and 7pm.

This will be followed by a series of webinars for community members seeking more detailed information about the products and services available under the program.

To find out more about the Electric Homes Program, or to register for a coming event, head to electrichomes.com.au