Hume’s residents are celebrating a year of big savings and greener homes as council’s award-winning home energy upgrades program marks its first anniversary.
Since launching in September 2024, the program has delivered energy upgrades to over 300 homes across the municipality, with 195 concession households receiving additional council rebates on top of state and federal government incentives.
The upgrades are expected to prevent more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over their lifespan, mainly through solar and electric appliance installations, alongside further reductions from insulation and draught-proofing.
For households which switch entirely to electric appliances and ditch gas, the benefits are expected to extend beyond the environment, with concession families are projected to save an average of $1410 a year on energy bills.
The program gives residents access to rooftop solar, solar batteries, reverse cycle heating and cooling, heat pump hot water systems, induction cooktops, insulation, and draught proofing.
Participants are also eligible to receive free home energy advice, quotes from accredited suppliers, and tailored support to navigate rebates.
For Greenvale retiree Robert, the program made going solar a possibility.
Robert and his wife recently installed a 4.95kW solar system, receiving a council rebate as well as state government support.
“Seeing the council rebates for pension card holders was the trigger for us to register to get solar through the program,” Robert said.
“That upfront discount to bring down the cost was critical.”
The program has been hailed as a model for reducing household costs and emissions.
Residents have the chance to learn more about upgrades and rebates, with events scheduled in Craigieburn on Thursday, September 18, in Sunbury on Saturday, October 25, and in Broadmeadows on Tuesday, November 11.
