New program to charge region’s home electrification

GEELONG Sustainability (GS) has partnered with local suppliers for a new program aimed at transitioning households to solar-powered electric homes.

The group has launched an Electric Homes Program that it described as a community-driven initiative aiming to improve access to energy-efficient appliances, solar infrastructure and battery storage.

RACV Solar, Jeztek Plumbing and Reclaim Energy will work with GS at free community information sessions to provide more information about electrification and its necessary products, its benefits and how much it costs.

Clean energy advocates Rewiring Australia has found households can save up to $3,450 a year by shifting to renewable-powered homes and electric cars.

The GS program is open to households in the local government areas of Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliffe, Golden Plains and Colac Otway.

GS chief executive officer Dan Cowdell said the program gathered local expertise to provide real-world solutions for Victorians.

“Electrifying your home is better for your family’s health, your wallet and the environment.

“Homeowners are an important part of our region’s transition away from fossil fuels. Over two million Victorians rely on gas in their homes and businesses, that’s more than any other state in Australia.

“Right now, there’s a lot of buzz around going all-electric – many people understand the benefits but don’t know where to start, or don’t have the time to do it.

“We’re proud to offer this new program that’s designed to support our communities to make the transition with ease and confidence.

“The Electric Homes Program is a community-powered program at its core, so every solar system purchased through the program also contributes towards us being able to donate solar and hot water systems back to communities in need.”

The program has support of like-minded regional groups on the Surf Coast and Bellarine, which are also supporting a transition to electric homes.

Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) has backed the Electric Homes Program, which it said can help participants save money and save the planet by reducing their climate footprint.

Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) has invited participants to have an audit of their home’s energy efficiency at a subsidised rate with support from the Borough of Queenscliff.

The City of Greater Geelong is a program sponsor of the Electric Homes Program.

For more information about the program and to get involved, head to electrichomes.com.au