Electric Homes Program charges ahead in third year

AN award-winning program helping local residents switch off gas and make the transition to efficient electric appliances is powering up for a third year.

Geelong Sustainability has this week launched the next iteration of its Electric Homes Program and is once again partnering with local suppliers to support households across the Barwon region to make the shift to all-electric living.

Chief executive Jane Spence said the Electric Homes Program had been designed to remove the barriers commonly faced by households interested in moving away from gas and reducing both their energy bills and emissions in the process.

“Many people in our community know that electricity is cheaper than gas and they want to take action but don’t know where to start and who to trust,” she said.

“That’s why we created this program – to connect people with trustworthy local suppliers and quality products. We’re here to make the transition easier, more affordable and more reliable.”

Since its launch in 2023, the program has engaged thousands of households across the region and supported more than 600 to make renewable upgrades.

Geelong West resident Marge Smith is one of more than 600 to have participated in the Electric Homes Program since its launch in 2023. She is pictured here with her hot water heat pump.

Participants in this year’s program will have access to exclusive pricing on a range of renewable products – including hot water heat pumps, solar and battery systems, home insulation and, for the first time, electric vehicles and e-bikes – and reliable installers, all vetted by Geelong Sustainability.

Scott Barnes participated in the Electric Homes Program last year, installing a hot water heat pump.

“It was great to install a hot water heat pump through the Electric Homes Program because I didn’t have to get multiple quotes,” he said.

“I was quite comfortable that Geelong Sustainability had done that homework.”

The Electric Homes Program is open to all residents across the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Colac Otway Shire and the Borough of Queeenscliffe.

Every system sold through the program contributes to the donation of solar and hot water heat pumps to not-for-profit organisations across the region, with Anglesea’s Sirovilla Retirement Village, Phoenix Housing and Samaritan House recent recipients.

For more information, or to register interest in the program, visit electrichomes.com.au.