The Andrews Labor Government will help thousands of low-income Victorians upgrade their inefficient heating and cooling systems – improving the comfort of their homes, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving households up to $300 per year on their energy bills.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio today announced Solar Victoria will begin providing $1,000 rebates to support all eligible low-income households to replace their old heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle systems that can warm their home in winter and cool it in summer.

An additional $200 rebate is available to cap old gas heaters, and households can get $500 to upgrade their electrical switchboard.

From today, owner-occupier households with an approved concession card or a combined household income of less than $90,000 will be able to select an approved product and apply for a rebate through the program website.

It’s the next step in the Labor Government’s $335 million Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade program, supporting 250,000 low-income and vulnerable Victorian households to upgrade their home energy systems. The program opened to community housing organisations in May.

By replacing outdated, unsafe or inefficient electric, gas and wood-fired heaters, the Labor Government is improving cost of living and liveability across the state, while building climate resilience.

The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program has been developed in close partnership with organisations including the Community Housing Industry Association, Victorian Council of Social Services, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Church and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

More information, including instructions on how to apply is available at heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“Everyone deserves a home where you can keep warm in winter or cool down in summer without breaking the bank.”

“The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program will not only help those who would otherwise struggle to afford a new heating and cooling system, it will also help Victoria reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and make our homes more resilient to climate change.”

“I’d like to thank all the retailers, including the Good Guys, who are helping us deliver this program to people who need assistance.”

Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak

“This program will help people replace their old heaters with new, energy efficient models that will save them money on their power bills.”