Hume City Council's award-winning energy efficiency initiative is celebrating its first anniversary with strong community uptake and significant energy bill savings.
Since its launch in September last year, the Hume Home Energy Upgrades program has delivered 309 home energy upgrades. Of these, 195 were supported by additional Council rebates for concession card holders on top of the state and federal government incentives.
It is projected that the electric and solar upgrades alone will prevent more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over their lifespan, with further reductions from insulation and thermal improvements.
The upgrades are also helping residents save on their energy bills. For Hume concession households that fully electrify and eliminate gas use, the average estimated annual bill savings is $1,410.
The program enables residents to switch to electric appliances like reverse cycle heating and cooling, heat pump hot water systems and induction cooktops, along with rooftop solar, solar batteries, insulation and draught proofing.
Residents receive free home energy advice, no-obligation quotes from appointed suppliers, and help navigating state and federal rebates. Eligible concession card holders also access additional rebates from Hume Council through the program.
"Seeing the Council rebates for pension card holders was the trigger for us to register to get solar through the program," says Robert, a retiree from Greenvale.
Robert and his wife had a 4.95kW solar system installed through the program and received an $800 rebate from Council.
"That upfront discount to bring down the cost was critical. We'd looked into installing solar before, but it wasn't cost effective. Without the Council rebate and help to access the Victorian Government rebate and no interest loan we wouldn't have gone ahead with it."
The program is delivered in partnership with Yarra Energy Foundation, and suppliers All Electric Homes and Enviroflex, whose collaboration has been key to its success.
Council is committed to helping even more households enjoy lower energy bills and emissions, and healthier, more comfortable living environments.
