Electrify Everything
A third of Australian households are already enjoying the benefits of going electric for their heating, cooking, water heating and transport needs.
Electrifying your home is a cheap, safe, healthy and environmentally friendly choice. Be part of the clean energy future and enjoy a comfortable, modern home. Make a plan so that you’re ready to replace appliances and vehicles with efficient electric ones when the time is right.
Five actions to electrify your home
- Install rooftop solar panels and a battery to power your home and car.
- Use the free SunSPOT solar calculator to find out what size system you need and see how much you could save.
- Switch Your Thinking offers discounts on solar panels and battery storage for residents and businesses.
- Whether or not you’re able to install solar panels to your home, you can choose to support renewable energy through your electricity bills. Ask your electricity provider for their GreenPower offer or find a GreenPower provider.
Heating and cooling your home accounts for 40% of your energy use. Upgrading to a more efficient system can significantly reduce your energy use and bills.
- Install ceiling fans. These use much less energy than an air-conditioner. Most newer ceiling fans have a reverse function that you can use in combination with your heater to circulate hot air more evenly. Switch Your Thinking offers a discount on Direct Current Ceiling Fans for residents and businesses.
- Install a reverse cycle / split system air-conditioner.
- Read about the health impacts of using gas heaters.
- Renew’s guide to electric heating.
Water heating accounts for 23% of your home’s total energy costs, which can be reduced by upgrading to a more energy efficient system.
- Read Renew’s efficient hot water buyers guide.
- Read Switched On’s Tips on buying a heat pump.
- Read Choice Magazine’s article on Gas vs Electric Hot Water Systems
- Switch Your Thinking offer discounts on solar hot water and heat pumps to residents and businesses.
Induction cooktops and electric ovens are safer, cleaner and more efficient than gas.
- Find out about the link between gas stoves and asthma as well as the health and emissions risks.
- Check out Renew’s guide to induction cooking.
- Watch this video by the Global Cooksafe Coalition.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) run on electricity rather than petrol or diesel, and can reduce your household emissions, especially if you charge from 100% renewable energy. EVs are cheap to run, require very little maintenance, and reduce both air and noise pollution.
- See the Electric Vehicle Council’s detailed list of EVs available to buy in Australia and cost calculator.
- Apply for the Zero Emissions Vehicle Rebate.
- Learn about how EVs are exempt from fringe benefits tax.
- Switch Your Thinking offers a discount on EV chargers to residents.
- Find EV charging stations near you via PlugShare.
Electric Bicycles (Ebikes) are another great way to get around. Beat the traffic and forget the hassle of finding a car park!
- How to buy the best electric bike.
- Switch Your Thinking offers a discount on bicycles to residents.
More information
- Energy Ahead – helps low income Synergy customers to save energy and reduce bills.
- Household Energy Upgrades Fund – discounted finance products to help households upgrade their homes with battery-ready solar PV, modern appliances and other improvements.
- No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) – helps low income individuals and families access loans up to $2,000 for appliances and white goods. As well as $3,000 for costs associated with a natural disaster.
- Energy Assistance Payment – support for concession holders to pay electricity bills.
- Energy Concession Extension Scheme
- an annual payment to assist with energy costs for eligible concession card holders in embedded networks OR
- an annual payment to assist with energy costs for eligible concession card holders who are not supplied electricity by Synergy or Horizon Power (e.g. purchasing electricity from caravan park operator or strata company).
- Hardship Utility Grant Scheme – assists customers in financial hardship who are unable to pay their utility bills.
- Life Support Equipment Energy Subsidy – assists eligible concession card holders with the energy costs associated with life support equipment.
- Electricity Account Establishment Fee Rebate – a rebate to offset the cost of setting up a new electricity account.
- Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy Subsidy – a subsidy for those who need home heating or cooling due to specialist medical advice.
- Air Conditioning Rebate – subsidies for the cost of running an air conditioner for eligible concession card holders in areas deemed high heat discomfort locations during the hottest months of the year.
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