Geelong homeowners helped to go electric

Geelong residents will be able to make the switch to energy-efficient homes with the assistance of the newly launched Electric Homes Program.

The community-driven program from Geelong Sustainability was set up to help households across the Barwon Southwest transition to an all-electric, solar-powered future.

Geelong Sustainability is partnering with RACV Solar, Jeztek Plumbing and Reclaim Energy to deliver the community purchase program, which brings together information, products and experienced suppliers to make it easy for households to install solar panels, home battery storage, hot water heat pumps, efficient heating and cooling systems and electric vehicle chargers.

“This program addresses one of the big hurdles for people looking to make their homes more efficient. Electrification isn’t just about swapping out one appliance, most people are looking to make a range of upgrades in their home and might do it over time,” said Reclaim Energy Director Chris Taylor.

Modelling from Rewiring Australia shows that transitioning from a gas- and petrol-fuelled home to an electric home, powered by renewables with an electric vehicle, can save up $3450 a year.

“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,” said Geelong Sustainability Chief Executive Officer Dan Cowdell.

“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,” Cowdell said.

Geelong Sustainability aims to build off the success of its previous Geelong Community Solar Program, which saw over 2.5 megawatts of solar and battery storage installed across the region in 2021 and the donation of solar systems to eight community facilities.

The Electric Homes Program is open to households in the local government areas of the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains Shires and the Borough of Queenscliffe. It’s supported by all five local councils, and many local community groups, with the City of Greater Geelong as the major program sponsor.

For more information, visit: electrichomes.com.au.

Image caption: House in Geelong West. Image credit: iStock.com/Jade Craven