The Allan Labor Government is helping busy Ballarat families save on their energy bills with early access to the SEC’s free digital tool to support the switch to energy efficient electrical appliances.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission (SEC) Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the first part of the SEC’s one-stop-shop for households in Ballarat wanting to go all-electric and save on their energy bills.

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 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 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. The savings rise to more than $2700 a year by adding solar.

The planner will help Victorians understand the savings of electrifying their homes and make the switch – early interest has been strong with over 3,000 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.

This week, the Constitution Amendment (SEC) Bill 2023 passed the Victorian Parliament, enshrining the SEC in the state’s Constitution and keeping power in the hands of Victorians – not just the big energy companies.

The SEC is investing $1 billion into renewable energy projects – delivering 4.5 gigawatts 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 on behalf of all Victorians, accelerating the pipeline of renewable energy projects, and helping create 59,000 jobs including 6,000 traineeships and apprenticeships.

For more information visit secvictoria.com.au/households.

Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“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.”

Quote attributable to Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio 

“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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Ballarat is the first regional community to benefit from our one-stop-shop – helping families save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“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.”