The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Senator for the ACT
The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
David Smith MP, Member for Bean
A new digital tool will help Canberrans make their homes cheaper to run, healthier and more comfortable by offering a one-stop shop for home electrification upgrades.
The 'Go Electric' tool will simplify the switch from gas to electricity by handling the key parts of the process - from expert advice and fixed-price quotes to installation and ongoing support - making it easier for Canberrans to get the most out of their next home upgrade.
Residents of Canberra's southern suburbs will be the first to try the digital platform in a trial involving up to 1,000 households led by home electrification company Electric Future and supported by $8.2 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
As well as supporting upgrades to home heating, cooling and appliances, the trial will also help Canberrans make the most of electric vehicles, rooftop solar and home batteries. A key outcome of the project will be to demonstrate how home electrification can be delivered at scale, providing practical insights that can support more households to make the switch over time.
The ACT-based trial builds on ARENA's broader work supporting household and community energy innovation, with around 50 related initiatives funded since 2018 and more than $150 million invested in projects spanning home electrification, smart appliances, flexible energy use and technologies such as virtual power plants.
These projects are helping households and communities take greater control of how they generate, store and use energy, cutting bills for homeowners, renters and public housing residents.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:
"Home upgrades can make a big difference to everyday life - not just to comfort and ease of use, but also to your hip pocket and the health of everyone under your roof.
"But upgrading your home can feel daunting - you need to work out the right upgrades for your home and your needs, then find someone you trust to install them for the right price.
"A one-stop shop providing expert advice, fixed-price quotes, trusted installers and ongoing support will help people make the best choices for themselves, their homes and their families - and gives them the confidence to get on with the job."
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher:
"Canberrans have been at the forefront of the transition to cleaner energy, and this investment builds on that progress.
"Helping households use energy more efficiently and move away from gas is good for household budgets and good for our transition to a cleaner energy system.
"This trial will also give us valuable evidence about how we can make electrification easier and more affordable for households at a much larger scale."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:
"The built environment is responsible for around a quarter of Australia's emissions, so improving the energy performance of our homes is one of the most practical ways households can cut costs while contributing to climate action.
"This project will help Canberrans make smarter choices about electrification and energy efficiency, creating healthier, more comfortable homes that are cheaper to run and better for the environment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bean, David Smith:
"South Canberra households will be the first to try this new one-stop shop, making it simpler to choose and install the right electric upgrades for their homes.
"Canberrans are leading the country in switching to cleaner, cheaper-to-run homes, and this trial will help up to 1,000 local households take the next step.
"Whether it's better heating and cooling, electric appliances, rooftop solar or a home battery, this project will give local families trusted advice and support from start to finish."
