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Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances

The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.

By news@gippsland - 22nd August 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is extending support for regional families and businesses following Solstice's decision to close its compressed natural gas (CNG) network across Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio today announced new support to help 1,183 impacted Solstice customers electrify their homes in Marong, Terang, Nathalia, Lakes Entrance, Heathcote, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, Kerang and Orbost.

The government's EOI seeks more installers for the VEU program, offering households discounts and annual savings by switching from gas to electric hot water

Gas program failure

This is a failed gas supply program, called Energy for the Regions, that was introduced by the former Coalition government. At the time, the Labor government - then in Opposition - opposed it, warning it would unnecessarily lock regional Victorians into higher bills. Sadly, that has proven correct.

To support households through this, the Allan Labor government is delivering more practical measures through the State Electricity Commission, Solar Victoria, and the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

Solar Victoria will temporarily remove the income eligibility cap for Solstice customers in the affected towns, making it easier for more households to get more discounts for solar PV and efficient electric hot water systems.

Support for households

Households can receive $4,200 in upfront support through a $1,400 rebate for both rooftop solar PV and Australian made hot water units, plus the option of a $1,400 solar PV interest-free loan. The government is also opening Expression of Interest (EOI) today to identify more electric appliance installers for the VEU program that can support households in these towns to go electric.

Through the VEU households can get a discount of up to $560 and save up to $330 on their energy bills annually when they replace an existing gas hot water heater with a heat pump water heater. Eligible households can save up to $1,630 off the cost of installing an energy-efficient hot water system with a Solar Homes hot water rebate plus a Victorian Energy Upgrades discount, with the opportunity to get a further $400 rebate if they choose a locally made product.

Helping residents transition

The SEC will have a presence through a combination of local community-group information sessions and webinars for Solstice customers in the ten impacted towns. They will help impacted customers with the process of going electric and use the SEC electric home planner - a free tool to help design a personalised plan to go electric, showing indicative costs, rebates, and potential savings.

For more information on the hot water rebates visit Solar Victoria website or for information on going electric contact the SEC on 1300 305 700. For information on support provided by Solstice, call 1800 750 750 or email nextsteps@solsticeenergy.com.au.

Backing regional communities

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio said, "We're making sure all impacted Solstice Energy customers have access to our rebates and discounts, to help them make the switch to cheaper electric appliances that will save them money in the long run. This failed gas supply arrangement was imposed on regional communities by the previous Liberal National government and would have locked them into the most expensive energy source for decades."

Bendigo West Maree Edwards said, "The Allan Labor government is cleaning the mess left by the former Coalition government and doing what's best for regional Victorians."

Member for East Gippsland Tom McIntosh said, "This failed Liberal government program would have locked customers into higher bills for decades, now we're supporting them to go electric and save money on their bills."

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said, "We're making sure regional towns like Terang are supported through these changes imposed on them by this failed Coalition policy."

Pictures from Solar Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
  Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Danny O’Brien delivers hundreds of donated nappies to Vinnies, supporting Gippsland families in need across the region
  Danny O’Brien has donated hundreds of unused nappies to Vinnies, collected via The Nappy Collective, helping Gippsland families experiencing "nappy stress" and encouraging ongoing community support.