Household plugging in to Electric Homes advice

THE award-winning Electric Homes Program is already making a big impact across the Geelong region in in its first month, with more than 200 households registering to increase their home comfort and lower their energy bills.

Designed and delivered by local not-for-profit Geelong Sustainability, the program connects homeowners with trusted local suppliers to provide home energy audits, draught proofing and insulation, plus install hot water heat pumps, heating and cooling systems, solar and batteries and EV chargers, as well as special offers on EVs and e-bikes.

The streamlined process and access to trusted installers are proving to be a winning combination.

North Geelong residents Andrew and Katie were among the first to register.

Living in a 1940s brick home, they had long planned to make improvements but found it difficult to know where to start.

“We attended a Geelong Sustainability event last year and heard about the success of the program,” Andrew said.

“It felt like the perfect solution. We just filled in one form and were contacted by trusted suppliers that Geelong Sustainability had already vetted – it was so easy.”

The couple opted for a home energy assessment and draught proofing audit after noticing how cold their home was in winter.

The assessment revealed that their large gas heater would actually prevent them from sealing vents that were letting cold air in due to the potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What surprised them most was learning that decommissioning the gas heater and replacing it with an efficient reverse-cycle system could attract significant rebates, making the switch more affordable than they had expected.

“We thought replacing the heater would be years away, but now it looks like something we might actually be able to do soon,” Andrew said.

Geelong Sustainability chief executive officer Jane Spence said the strong early interest showed locals were ready to take action at home, especially when they were supported to do so.

“The response has been fantastic.

“People want to live more comfortably, cut their energy bills, and reduce their reliance on gas, but the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why this program exists, to remove the guesswork and connect people with trusted, local suppliers who know what they’re doing – and ensure they can make the most of the great rebates on offer.”

The Electric Homes Program is open to households across the Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, and Colac Otway municipalities.

To learn more and register your interest, head to electrichomes.com.au