Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has announced that the Victorian Government will begin providing $1,000 rebates to support 250,000 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.
The rebates are open to owner-occupier households with an approved concession card or a combined household income of less than $90,000 and could cover more than half of the cost of a typical efficient reverse-cycle system. Additional rebates of $200 are available to cap old gas heaters, and $500 to upgrade electrical switchboards.
“This program will help local people replace their old heaters with new, energy efficient models,” said Member for Macedon, MaryAnne Thomas. “It will save them money on their power bills and improve their comfort and wellbeing.”
The $335 million Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade program is an initiative of the State government to make more affordable for all Victorians.
The HHCU Program follows the $250 Power Saving Bonus, which provides immediate bill relief for eligible concession card holders; the Victorian Default Offer, which sets a fair price for energy; and Victorian Energy Compare, an independent energy price comparison website that could save households $300 on their energy bill.
By replacing outdated, unsafe or inefficient electric, gas and wood-fired heaters, the government hopes to improve access to energy, lower the cost of living and build climate resilience.
More information, including instructions on how to apply is available at heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au.
