Victorians considering replacing their hot water system with a more energy efficient model have until May 31 this year to secure the maximum State Government rebate.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan has encouraged householders to take advantage of all current incentives for solar and gas hot water installation.

“Householders looking to purchase a replacement gas or solar hot water system need to place their order before May 31 to be eligible for the full range of current rebates,” he said.

“Anyone considering making the change should act now before the rebates close. A full range of information, along with a list of registered suppliers, is available on the Sustainability Victoria website.”

After this date, Victorians replacing their hot water systems with a more energy efficient option can continue to apply for incentives through the Victorian Energy Saver Incentive, part of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target program and, where installing solar hot water, the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

“The rebates program has been running since 2000 and has improved the energy efficiency of almost 38,000 Victorian homes,” Mr Krpan said.

“According to ABS data, with the exception of Western Australia, Victoria has the lowest percentage of older, inefficient electric hot water systems installed in homes at just 28%, compared to 64% in New South Wales.”

“The focus is now on delivering activities to minimise energy costs and help reduce the cost of living for those in greatest need.”

Mr Krpan also said the change would enable the delivery of more targeted energy efficiency incentives and reduce duplication of Commonwealth Government programs.

“We will also continue to provide a range of other programs and assistance which provide households with cost effective energy efficient solutions,” he added.

These include:

  • Rebates for energy efficient heating for pensioners and low income earners.
  • The Smarter Choice Retail Program which trains retail sales staff to provide customers 
with advice on the energy efficiency of appliances and how to get the best out of the model they choose.
  • Smarter Resources, Smarter Business, which provides funding and support for medium- sized business (those with between 20 and 199 employees) to help them reduce costs by using energy and resources more efficiently through capital investment, resource assessments, implementation planning and advice and funding application support.
  • The Energy Saver Incentive, in which accredited businesses provide discounts and special offers on selected energy saving products and appliances.