Ministers statements: energy policy
Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:10): I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s household renewables revolution. Through our $1.3 billion Solar Homes program we have already seen more than 250,000 Victorians enjoy the benefit of solar on their roofs and batteries in their homes, and now even more Victorians are turning to our rebates for electric hot water systems. These heat pumps are flying off the shelves – 5900 of them are out the door and saving people money. These are bill-saving systems that are going to homes in Greater Geelong, Werribee, Sunbury, Castlemaine, Tarneit, Frankston, Coburg, Reservoir, Berwick, Mornington and Rowville. These are the types of suburbs that are enjoying these rebates, and there are more. Victorians want this because they know it saves them money every year and it is good for the environment. That is why we have made it easier for them to make the switch from gas to electric, and the bill savings are immediate. By moving off expensive gas hot water, a household saves $400 a year on their bills just simply by having that hot water system.
We will be delivering even more through our new residential electrification grants programs, partnering with industry to bundle our Solar Homes rebates: $1000 for hot water, $1400 for solar rebates and 1400 no-interest loans on top of that for new-build homes. By installing these during construction through this bundling arrangement we will remove the double handling, saving households an extra $800 on construction costs. The total savings through this program are $4600 before you even move in. We know what they say. Once you have moved, it is $1000 off your bills each and every year – all electric. If you have got solar, it is $2200. It is great for jobs, it is great for people’s hip pockets and it is great for the environment.