Solar Victoria customers that choose an Australian-made hot water system will receive an extra $400 on their hot water rebate, the state government has announced.
From July 1, households that choose an eligible hot water system made in Australia will receive a higher rebate of $1400, while the $1,000 rebate is still available for customers that choose to install other hot water systems.
This is funded through $29.7 million allocated in the state budget towards helping more Victorian households lower their energy bills by installing electric appliances in their homes.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said that there is a strong history of locally manufactured hot water products, and the state wants to “make sure local jobs are supported and that money spent in Victoria stays in Victoria.”
According to the state, installing a heat pump hot water system can save a household up to $330 a year on electricity bills, accounting for as much as 30 per cent of total energy use – making them one of the largest contributors to energy consumption in the home.
Heat pumps are the most popular part of the Solar Home Program, which experienced a 151 percent increase in the number of installations on the previous year.
Solar Victoria will consult with industry and unions ahead of its July 1 implementation, including developing the requirements to demonstrate local content.
Applications for a hot water rebate can be made online.
Details: solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate
