Electric Homes Program 2026-27

Expression of Interest (EOI) to be a Preferred Partner

Context and Background

After the success of the 2023-2025 Electric Homes Programs, Geelong Sustainability plans to broaden the program in 2026-27 aimed at transitioning the region away from gas-dependent homes towards embracing ’Electric Homes.'

Over its first three phases, the program engaged more than 2,200 households and facilitated over 750 upgrade installations or services, reducing household emissions by approximately 1,469 tCO₂e per year and saving participating households over $440,000 annually in energy bills.

This year we are broadening the program to provide the community with a small selection of preferred partners and suppliers in each area of upgrades. This initiative will generate and feed leads to a variety of trusted providers through community engagement and education across the G21 region (including Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains, and Queenscliffe). This program supports households with everything they need to create an efficient electric home, focusing on the installation and enhancement of:

Solar, Batteries & EV charging
Hot Water Heat Pumps
Reverse Cycle Heating and Cooling
Induction Cooktops
Insulation
Draught Proofing
Home Energy Audits

This program is conducted in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong and other G21 region councils.

We are currently inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from reputable and experienced companies interested in serving as our Preferred Partners throughout the 2026-27 program.

Geelong Sustainability is a not-for-profit community organisation and registered charity that supports residents of Geelong and surrounds to be more sustainable in their everyday lives. Our vision is a thriving and resilient community taking urgent action on climate change together. Since our establishment in 2007, Geelong Sustainability has become the region’s leading sustainability group with extensive networks in community, government and business throughout Geelong and the Barwon region. We are recognised for our evidence-based innovative projects, which educate and support our community’s transition to a net zero, circular economy.

Our program mission is to empower people to save money and gain comfort through sustainable power generation and lower energy-efficient initiatives.

The program will consist of two main elements:

Community awareness and education sessions, which provide residents with information about the benefits of all electric homes. A series of forums, webinars and masterclasses will be delivered with expert speakers, providing practical steps for getting off gas, switching to all electric efficient appliances, increasing energy efficiency and adopting renewable energy technologies. These sessions, along with a marketing strategy, will feed residents into the second part of the program.
The subsequent segment of the program entails an electrification initiative, enabling residents to seamlessly engage with reputable local installers for transitioning their homes to all-electric. This program aims to facilitate energy upgrades by implementing products like heat pump hot water systems, efficient split-system air conditioning, solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, insulation, induction cooktops, draft proofing and home energy audits.

Geelong Sustainability has effectively showcased the impact of similar initiatives through the execution of three successful Electric Home programs in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Programme Details

Joining the Electric Homes Program offers a clear and collaborative pathway to connect with a growing pool of engaged households actively looking to electrify their homes.

Rather than a traditional referral or per-install fee model, we have designed a simple, cost-effective upfront annual joining structure that provides certainty for partners while keeping the customer experience transparent and accessible. Once part of the program, providers are included in a shortlist of pre-assessed suppliers from which customers can select after submitting an Expression of Interest. Households can choose to request a quote from one provider or multiple, giving them agency while ensuring all participating businesses are credible, values-aligned, and ready to deliver high-quality outcomes. This approach is designed to generate warm, informed leads and support meaningful conversion opportunities across the financial year, with the option to renew participation annually.

To ensure fairness and accessibility, the joining fee is tiered according to number of employees (including subcontractors). This structure recognises the different capacities and reach of businesses, while maintaining a strong and diverse network of delivery partners across the region. All partners at this level are included as referral options through the program and may also be invited to participate in community events where capacity allows, supporting visibility and connection with local households.

For organisations seeking deeper engagement and profile, the Premium Partner package offers a more prominent role within the program. Limited to one organisation per service sector, this tier provides enhanced branding and communication opportunities, including featured coverage across program channels and a dedicated newsletter spotlight. Premium Partners will also have the opportunity to present at our major community events and receive priority invitations for additional engagement opportunities throughout the year.

Pricing for each tier is available at the next stage of enquiry.

We will select a limited number of preferred partners for each product and service offered through the program. We are seeking suitable preferred partners that meet the following criteria:

Passionate about supporting the region’s transition away from gas
Familiar and connected with the Geelong and surrounds communities
Delivers quality and cost effective products and services
Prides themselves on their customer service, support and overall customer experience
Has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with local residents
Capacity to deliver and manage incoming leads from the program
Works within established procedures and workflows and has strong project management skills
Local based workforce that supports our local community
Willingness to work collaboratively with Geelong Sustainability for program promotion, marketing, events and reporting.
Able to work within identified timelines and follows up customers in a timely manner
Registered and able to apply government rebates where applicable

The role and responsibilities for the preferred partners involved in this program is to:

Receive leads through the program, follow up leads within predetermined timelines, provide guidance and/or quote as appropriate, conduct any required assessments and site visits.
Manage all aspects of system installation, including scheduling installations, completing work to a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction.
Report installations to the project manager, in a format established by Geelong Sustainability.
Participate in touch base meetings and work collaboratively with Geelong Sustainability program coordinator to ensure the program is successful.

Calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI)

Geelong Sustainability is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably experienced and exemplar companies to be our preferred partners.

EOI submissions are encouraged from suitably qualified companies that can provide sales and installation services for one or more of the program’s focus areas:
- Solar, Batteries & EV charging
- Hot Water Heat Pumps
- Reverse Cycle Heating and Cooling
- Induction Cooktops
- Insulation
- Draft Proofing
- Home Energy Audits

Please note that under this revised model, multiple businesses may be selected as Program Partners for the same service offering (e.g. solar installation), giving community members a greater choice of providers when submitting their expression of interest.

Based on responses to this EOI, Geelong Sustainability will engage a small selection of Preferred Partners to facilitate market engagement activities, equipment supply and delivery.
DEADLINE - Your EOI to be one of our Preferred Partners can be made by completing the below Expression of Interest Form and Product and Pricing Spreadsheet by 9am Tuesday 30th June 2026.

For enquiries regarding the program, please contact:

Lucy Allinson
Project Coordinator
Geelong Sustainability
E. program@geelongsustainability.org.au

Electric Homes Program 2026-27

Expression of Interest (EOI) to be a Preferred Partner

Context and Background

Programme Details

Calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI)

About

GET INVOLVED

WHAT WE DO

News and Media

Resources