Just one month since its launch, the award-winning Electric Homes Program is already making
a big impact across the Geelong region with over 200 households registering to increase their
home comfort and lower their energy bills.
Designed and delivered by local not-for-profit Geelong Sustainability, the program connects
homeowners with trusted local suppliers to provide home energy audits, draught proofing
and insulation, plus install hot water heat pumps, heating and cooling systems, solar and
batteries and EV chargers, as well as special offers on EVs and eBikes. The streamlined
process and access to trusted installers are proving to be a winning combination.
North Geelong residents Andrew and Katie were among the first to register. Living in a 1940s
brick home, they had long planned to make improvements but found it difficult to know
where to start.
“We attended a Geelong Sustainability event last year and heard about the success of the
program,” said Andrew. “It felt like the perfect solution. We just filled in one form and were
contacted by trusted suppliers that Geelong Sustainability had already vetted – it was so easy.”
The couple opted for a home energy assessment and draught proofing audit after noticing
how cold their home was in winter. The assessment revealed that their large gas heater would
actually prevent them from sealing vents that were letting cold air in due to the potential risk
of carbon monoxide poisoning. What surprised them most was learning that
decommissioning the gas heater and replacing it with an efficient reverse-cycle system could
attract significant rebates, making the switch more affordable than they had expected. “We
thought replacing the heater would be years away, but now it looks like something we might
actually be able to do soon,” said Andrew.
In Belmont, new homeowners Maja and her partner also jumped at the opportunity.
“I signed up to the Geelong Sustainability newsletter when I moved to the area, and when I
saw the Electric Homes Program come through, it was perfect timing, we were just starting
renovations,” Maja said.
Living in a 1970s brick home, Maja works from home and wanted a more comfortable,
energy-efficient space.
“We’ve had insulation installed in the walls and under the floor through the Electric Homes
Program, and it’s made a huge difference. We barely use the heater now and the house stays
warm even on the coldest days. I didn’t realise how much I’d value feeling cosy in winter.”
The couple’s next step is transforming their home into an all-electric permaculture oasis,
gradually phasing out the remaining gas appliances.
Geelong Sustainability CEO Jane Spence said the strong early interest shows that locals are
ready to take action at home, especially when they’re supported to do so.
“The response has been fantastic,” said Jane. “People want to live more comfortably, cut their
energy bills, and reduce their reliance on gas, but the process can feel overwhelming. That’s
why this program exists, to remove the guesswork and connect people with trusted, local
suppliers who know what they’re doing – and ensure they can make the most of the great
rebates on offer.”
The Electric Homes Program is open to households across the Greater Geelong, Queenscliff,
Surf Coast, Golden Plains, and Colac Otway regions.
To learn more and register your interest, visit www.electrichomes.com.au