Homes in the Latrobe Valley will soon have new options to lower their energy bills. A local program is expanding to help residents upgrade to efficient electric heat pump hot water systems.
The initiative will reach households in Morwell, Moe, Newborough, Traralgon, Churchill, and nearby towns. Residents will be able to get free quotes from approved installers and learn how to make the switch to modern systems.
Water heating takes up about 20 percent of the average home’s energy costs. Replacing older units with heat pumps can save households around $330 each year. Homes with solar panels can cut costs even more by heating water during the day when solar power is strongest.
The one-stop service will give households information about how the systems work, compare prices and products, and show available rebates and discounts. The goal is to make energy upgrades simple and affordable.
Installers such as Adsolar and Electrical, Specialized Solar and Electrical, and Solargain are working with the program to provide installations. Morwell-based manufacturer Earthworker Cooperative is also taking part in the process to become an approved installer.
The pilot is already operating in Ballan, Maroondah, and the Yarra Ranges. It will extend to other regions, including Casey, Ballarat, and Merri-bek, before rolling out across Victoria in 2026.
The project aims to help more households save money, reduce energy use, and move toward cleaner, efficient technology.