With energy bills rising amid some of the coldest days on record, many Victorians are looking for ways to reduce costs. Among them are Dev Vrat Bohra and Meenu Malik, residents of Narre Warren, who have already begun transitioning their home to electric in hopes of lowering their energy expenses.
“We’ve switched our heating to electric and seen significant savings, but we’re still using instant gas hot water,” said Bohra, a project engineer. “With four people in the house, it adds up quickly.”
To support households like theirs, the State Electricity Commission (SEC) has launched a state-wide campaign promoting the ease and benefits of switching to all-electric. The initiative is designed to help Victorian residents make informed decisions about transitioning their homes to electric, providing options that cater to various budgets.
The SEC’s efforts come as part of a broader push to reduce energy consumption and help households cut costs. The campaign outlines a range of solutions, from small, cost-effective adjustments that can be implemented immediately to larger investments for when appliances reach the end of their lifecycle.
As part of this initiative, the SEC is piloting a new digital platform that simplifies the process of going electric. The platform offers users a personalised plan based on a short survey about their home, recommending suitable appliances and providing estimates for costs, potential savings, government rebates, and emissions reductions.
Initially, the pilot is rolling out in the Cities of Casey and Merri-bek, with Ballarat to follow later in September. Participating households can use the platform to connect with SEC-vetted installers who can provide detailed quotes and guidance. For those outside the pilot areas, the platform is available for anyone wanting to start planning their switch to electric.
Modelling from the SEC shows that an average Victorian household could reduce their annual energy bill by 32%, or about $1,400, by switching from gas to electric. For those who also invest in solar, the potential savings rise to over $2,700 a year, representing a 62% reduction in energy costs.
Chris Miller, CEO of the SEC, emphasised the role of the platform in helping Victorians navigate the transition to electric energy. “We know people can reduce their energy bills by switching to electric,” Miller said. “Our goal is to show Victorians how they can make the shift one step at a time and contribute to the state’s broader energy transition.”
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of giving households the tools they need to lower their energy bills and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. “We’re putting power back in the hands of Victorians,” D’Ambrosio said.
As for Bohra and Malik, the savings they’ve seen from going electric mean more money to spend on family activities and future holidays. With the support of the SEC’s new platform, many more Victorians are likely to follow suit in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprints.
This pilot represents a key step in the SEC’s mission to support households through Victoria’s energy transition, providing practical tools and guidance at a time when many families are looking for relief from rising energy bills.