Victorian Government energy support for businesses and households

Published on 06 July 2022

The cost of living is going up, and the Victorian Government is playing a role in supporting Victorians who are paying more for power than they should.

For businesses

The Victorian Government is suggesting actions businesses can take to ease the pressure of rising energy bills, through simple actions and taking up Government support programs.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides businesses with upfront incentives to reduce their energy use and bills, with discounts on efficient equipment such as water heaters, space heaters and commercial and industrial gas boilers. In 2020-21, more than 14,900 businesses received upgrades through the program, saving an average $3,700 on their annual energy bills.

Businesses – whether they own or rent – can reduce their exposure to energy prices with solar PV. The Government’s Solar for Business Program provides a rebate of up to $3,500 off the upfront cost of a solar system installation for businesses with up to 50 employees.

Businesses are advised to:

• Take immediate and easy energy saving measures, such as switching off equipment when not in use and servicing equipment
• Review bills and energy contracts. If your business uses under 40-megawatt hours or under 1 Terajoule of gas annually, you might find a better deal on energy at Victorian Energy Compare – or an energy broker may assist
• Track energy use, potentially with the help of an energy assessor.

   

  For more information, please visit: https://www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/energy-advice-for-business

   

  For households 

  The Victorian Government is suggesting actions households can take to ease the pressure of rising energy bills, through simple actions and taking up government support programs.

  The Victorian Energy Upgrades program gives households access to discounted products to save energy, including efficient hot water and heating systems, door and window sealing, and in-home displays for real-time data on energy use. In 2021, households that made upgrades through the program saved an average of $110 on their annual energy bills.

  Households can also reduce energy bills significantly by installing solar PV or switching to electric appliances. The Government’s Solar Homes program offers households rebates on solar PV, solar hot water, batteries and efficient heating and cooling.

  Households are advised to:

• Take immediate and easy energy saving measures, such as switching off unused appliances, closing doors and windows, and washing clothes in cold water. Consider a thorough assessment of your home’s energy use with the Residential Efficiency Scorecard
• Visit Victorian Energy Compare to find the best energy plan and – from 1 July – to take advantage of the $250 Power Saving Bonus. Over the last 12 months, users of Victorian Energy Compare, who have switched to the best market offers, typically saved $330 on energy bills in the first year alone
• Ask your energy company whether you are eligible for energy concessions (including a 17.5% discount off gas and electricity bills) if you have a concession card.

If you are having trouble paying your energy bill, please talk to your energy retailer and discuss with them whether you can access the Utility Relief Grant Scheme, which provides up to $650 per utility every two years to eligible low-income Victorians.

For more information, please visit: Victorian Energy Saver: https://www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au/