The Victorian Government has launched an initiative to position the State Electricity Commission’s (SEC) as a one-stop-shop for households to switch to all-electric, piloting a new digital tool in Ballarat.
The SEC pilot includes a free digital platform that walks users through a short survey about their home and energy usage and then tailors a plan to cut their energy bills through electrification. It includes suggestions for suitable appliances, indicative costs, return on investment, government rebates, and emissions reductions. The Victorian Government said that the survey is available to users across Victoria.
With the launch of Ballarat pilot, local customers who require more information or would like to upgrade their appliances can connect with an installer who has been vetted by the SEC. Installers can make a free house visit to provide a more detailed quote.
The Victorian Government said that the pilot will run for the remainder of 2024 across the cities of Ballarat, Casey and Merri-bek, and the SEC will evaluate the results ahead of a planned scale-up across more areas of Victoria.
Modelling shows an average Victorian household with gas and electric appliances can reduce their annual energy bill by around $1400 by switching to all-electric, with savings rising to more than $2700 a year when solar is added.
The Victorian Government said that the planner will help Victorians understand the savings of electrifying their homes and make the switch, with more than 3000 households using the planner in the first month.
The SEC is supporting the pilot with a series of free online information sessions where energy experts provide advice to support households to go electric.
The Constitution Amendment (SEC) Bill 2023 passed the Victorian Parliament on 15 October 2024, enshrining the SEC in the state’s constitution.
The Victorian Government said that the SEC is investing $1 billion into renewable energy projects, delivering 4.5GW of power through new renewable energy and storage projects – enough to power more than 1.5 million homes.
All profits the SEC makes are reinvested back into renewable energy projects, accelerating the pipeline of renewable energy projects, and helping create 59,000 jobs – including 6000 traineeships and apprenticeships.
Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, said, “We’re helping busy families slash their energy bills with the SEC – building renewable energy projects for our future and creating a one-stop-shop to help them save.”
Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “We’re putting power back in the hands of families in Ballarat, giving them the tools they need to reduce their energy costs and be part of our nation-leading energy transition.”
Victorian Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, said that Ballarat is the first regional community to benefit from the SEC’s one-stop-shop – helping families save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity.
Victorian Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said, “This SEC pilot program will help Ballarat households to simplify and tailor affordable plans to electrify their homes specific to their circumstances with a trusted vetted professional.”
