The Andrews Labor Government will fund solar PV installations on 30 public buildings and sites in the Latrobe Valley to help reduce emissions at a local level.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was in Morwell to announce the sites that will receive a variety of solar systems including panels, solar hot water and solar lighting.

The Solar on Public Buildings Program upgrades will reduce energy consumption, cut power bills and are due to be completed by June 2019.

Energy upgrades have also now commenced for up to 1,000 low-income homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.

The $5 million Latrobe Valley Home Energy Upgrade Program has already had more than 800 expressions of interest and is part of a $266 million package to bolster the Latrobe Valley economy.

Residents and landlords can access up to $4,500 worth of tailored solar PV or solar hot water packages and other upgrades, at no cost.

Local businesses Gippsland Solar, Sunny Afternoons, Rocky’s Electrical and Hill’s Energy Solutions have been engaged for these programs.

The Home Energy Upgrade Program is expected to create 10 full-time jobs in the region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio  

“These upgrades will make a real difference to the lives of up to 1,000 vulnerable Gippslanders.”

“The energy upgrades and solar installations will not only help bring down energy prices for the Latrobe Valley, they will create local jobs in the renewable energy sector.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“People that are in homes that are more energy efficient will be more comfortable, have lower power bills and will be part of the transition to renewable energy.”