The Andrews Labor Government will help thousands of low-income Victorians upgrade their inefficient heating and cooling systems – improving the comfort of their homes, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving households up to $300 per year on their energy bills.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that the Victorian Government will begin providing $1,000 rebates to support 250,000 low-income households to replace their old heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle systems that can warm their home in winter and cool them in summer.

The rebates are open to owner-occupier households with an approved concession card or a combined household income of less than $90,000 and could cover more than half of the typical efficient reverse-cycle system. Additional rebates of $200 are available to cap old gas heaters, and $500 to upgrade electrical switchboards.

The $335 million Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade program is just another way that the Andrews Labor Government is making energy fairer and more affordable for all Victorians.

The HHCU Program follows the $250 Power Saving Bonus, which provides immediate bill relief for eligible concession card holders; the Victorian Default Offer, which sets a fair price for energy; and Victorian Energy Compare, an independent energy price comparison website that could save households $300 on their energy bill.

By replacing outdated, unsafe or inefficient electric, gas and wood-fired heaters, the Labor Government is further improving access to energy, lowering the cost of living and building climate resilience.

More information, including instructions on how to apply is available at heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio:

“Everyone deserves a home where you can keep warm in winter or cool down in summer without breaking the bank.”

“The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program will not only help those who would otherwise struggle to afford a new heating and cooling system, it will also help Victoria reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and make our homes more resilient to climate change.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“This program will help people replace their old heaters with new, energy efficient models that will save them money on their power bills and improve their comfort and wellbeing.”