Key actions you can take to save energy costs, improve the comfort and health of your home. Information and resources so you know where to focus, and where to get assistance.
Understanding your home energy use
Heating and cooling is responsible for on average 43% of a home’s energy costs. Therefore, maximising the efficiency of your heating and cooling system (e.g. using a reverse cycle air conditioner) and effectively draught proofing and insulating your home is key to saving costs and improving home comfort in the warmer, colder months.
Key actions
To start it can be helpful to hire a Sustainable Home kit from the Goldfields library with a thermal camera, energy measuring device, and the ‘energy freedom home’ book to assist you in better understanding how your home is performing and what you can do about it.
Engage a Government-accredited Scorecard assessor to come out and assess your home, and provide a clear pathway forward to reduce your energy costs, emissions, and improve home comfort.
Use Sustainability Victoria's Household energy action guide to better understand which upgrade actions are likely to have the biggest impact in improving your energy performance.
Visit these websites for more information about energy efficiency advice:
Goldfields Libraries: A Sustainable Future
Homescorecard: Find a Scorecard assessor
Bendigo Sustainability Group: Energy Literacy & Efficiency Resources
All electric homes are cheaper to run, better for your health and the climate.
Recently, gas prices have risen, and they are predicted to keep rising with further supply issues on the horizon, and as more people make the switch over to electric.
Cooking with gas has negative health impacts and is responsible for 12% childhood asthma, comparable to a child living with household cigarette smoke.
Learn more about the benefits and how to switch with this getting off gas tool kit, and by focusing on the key areas and resources below.
Visit this website for more information about making the switch from gas:
The Australian Energy Regulator has shown switching plans can save customers more than $400 a year. Use the Victorian Energy Compare website to get you started. If you don't want to change your energy retailer, give them a call to see if they have a better deal for you - they often do!
The Victorian Government is offering some product rebates and Brighte's service offers no interest loans for larger upgrades.
If you need help paying your bills, the Anglicare Energy Assistance Program has good support available.
Good Shepherd also provides No Interest Loans for up to $2000 to assist in purchasing new appliances for those eligible.
Visit these websites for more information about financial assistance:
Victorian Government: Victorian Energy Compare
Brighte: 0% Interest Payment Plan
Victorian Government: Solar Homes rebates and loans
There are several ways renters can get involved in the electrification revolution.
Compare deals and consider 100% Green power
Make sure you're getting the best deal at the Victorian Government Energy Compare website. Try to check annually you are on the best energy plan. While you are there you can select options for purchasing 100% Green Power from Energy Providers.
Investigate solar rebates for rental properties
Rebates of $1,400 are available to landlords who install solar on their investment property allowing both the landlord and tenant to share benefits. Let your landlord know with one of these hand email templates from Solar Victoria.
Energy Guide for Renters
There’s lots of great advice and options to consider in this government energy guide for renters.
Choose energy efficient appliances
Use the household energy rating system to buy and use efficient appliances. Those with a high start rating will save you money over the life of the appliance.
Visit these websites for more information about renting advice:
Victorian Government: Victorian Energy Compare
Solar Victoria: Solar rebates for rental properties
Heating and cooling is responsible for on average 43% of a home’s energy costs. Therefore, maximising the efficiency of this system, and effectively draught proofing and insulating your home is key to saving costs and improving home comfort in the warmer, colder months.
Households who install a more efficient heating and cooling system may be eligible for a discount under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
To find out where air is leaking within your home, its handy to loan a thermal imaging camera from the Sustainable Homes Kit at the Goldfield Library.
Then fill in any gaps identified such as under floors, behind walls, in ceilings, under doors and around windows. Having good blinds (ideally honeycomb/cellular blinds) can also help with passive cooling and heating. If you can afford it double glazing/coating on your windows will also better insulate and sound proof your home as well.
Visit these websites for more information about split system heating and cooling:
Rebates of up to $1,400 and interest free loans for the same amount are available to households who install solar PV. Anticipated savings of installing solar are expected to be over $1000 a year.
Batteries allow you to use more of the power your solar panels are producing. By installing a battery, you can store your solar-generated electricity from the middle of the day and use it later when you need it. The upfront cost is high, so you'll need to check whether a battery suits your home requirements by getting some expert advice.
Interest-free loans of up to $8,800 are available to help eligible Victorian households reduce the upfront costs of installing a solar battery.
Visit these websites for more information about rooftop solar and battery:
Rebates of $1,000 are available for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems via the Solar Homes Program.
Replacing gas cooktops and ovens with induction appliances is another great way to save money, and it won't come at the expense of a good meal. If you're thinking of buying an induction cooktop, look at the handy buying guide from Choice.
Green Vehicles Guide
The Green Vehicles Guide provides on low and zero emission vehicles in Australia.
Novated leasing
A novated lease is a financing arrangement used with salary sacrifice. With a novated lease your employer pays for your car lease and car running costs out of your salary package through a combination of pre-tax and post-tax salary deductions. Ask your employer about novated leasing options for electric vehicles.
Fringe Benefits Tax Exemption
You don't need to pay fringe benefits tax (FBT) on eligible electric cars and associated car expenses.
Electric Bikes
Electric Bikes or e-bikes are a great affordable transport option, and they are fun! Look at this handy guide from Choice on what to look for when purchasing an e-bike.
Visit these websites for more information about electric vehicles and bikes advice:
Australian Government: Green Vehicle Guide
The Victorian Energy Upgrades Scheme supports households to cut power bills and reduce emissions with discount energy-saving products.
What the City is doing to electrify
We are electrifying our buildings by
- Replacing gas heating with reverse cycle heat pump air-conditioning
- Replacing gas hot water with heat pump hot water services
- Installing solar PV systems
- We buy 100% renewable green electricity
We are electrifying our vehicle fleet by:
- Purchasing Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) - passenger cars
- Purchasing electric bikes and scooters for staff use
- Installing electric vehicle chargers for Council and public use
- Planning for electric heavier vehicles when they are available