About
The Council Home Energy Program is a local government initiative led by the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA).
Formerly known as Solar Savers, the program began in 2018 with a focus on solar before expanding to include a range of ways to help residents electrify their homes to reduce bills and environmental impact.
By making it easy for residents to get quotes from trusted providers, this program has helped hundreds of residents and businesses transition to a cleaner energy future.
The team
Anna
Meet Anna, who has been leading the Council Home Energy Program since 2018 (back when it was known as Solar Savers). She holds more than 10 years of experience across the banking and energy sectors and brings a strong background working in Melbourne, London and New York-including key roles at AGL and Momentum Energy. Anna focuses her expertise on effective stakeholder management, empowering councils and suppliers to collaborate smoothly behind the scenes.
Cait
Meet Cait, one of the Council Home Energy program's Sustainable Energy Officers. If you get in touch for advice, you'll probably get to chat with her along the way! Cait holds a Master of Environment and brings a strong background in energy resilience, sustainability engagement and local government. She is incredibly passionate about creating an inclusive energy transition and empowering all community members to participate in the shift to clean energy.
Tom
Meet Tom Rose, a Sustainable Energy Officer with the Council Home Energy program since May 2024. If you get in touch with us for advice, there is a very good chance Tom will be the person guiding you through the process! Backed by a qualification in sustainability from the University of Tasmania (with a knack for sustainable home design) and years of hands-on customer service and admin experience in retail and local council settings, Tom is perfectly equipped to help you answer any questions you have about the program and making your home comfortable.
FAQs
What happens after I submit the form?
The information that you supply will be sent to the vetted suppliers that you selected. These suppliers will contact you to discuss your needs and arrange tailored quotes. You can then compare these quotes and decide which one best fits your needs. You and your chosen supplier will then find a suitable time for your installation or assessment.
Why do you collect the information on the form?
Information about your home and the appliances that you currently use helps suppliers to understand how you currently use energy, how they can best support you to improve your energy efficiency, and how much you could save on your energy bills by making some changes. It also helps us determine whether there are any additional subsidies or benefits available to you, or whether we can offer you further support (eg. translation services).
By topic
Our program
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What products can I get through the Council Home Energy Program?
The Council Home Energy Program offers insulation, draught-proofing and Home Energy Assessments. We also work in collaboration with Easy Electric SEC, a Victorian government initiative that helps Victorian households switch from gas to electric appliances. Easy Electric SEC offers efficient electric heating and cooling, hot water, cooking, solar, batteries and EV chargers.
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What products are available through Easy Electric SEC?
Easy Electric SEC offers efficient electric heating and cooling, hot water, cooking, solar, batteries and EV chargers.
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Which upgrade should I do first?
Everybody's energy efficiency journey is different, so your first step might look different to your neighbour's. A Home Energy Assessment gives you a prioritised plan to reduce household energy costs, improve year-round comfort and lower your household emissions using evidence based recommendations tailored to your home. It can be a great starting point for deciding what to tackle first and getting the best value from your investment.
Thermal upgrades, such as insulation and draught-proofing, are often a sensible place to start. They can reduce the amount of heating and cooling your home requires and typically involve little ongoing maintenance. You could also consider replacing your most energy-hungry appliances with efficient electric alternatives, then progress from there.
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Where can I get help with my energy bills?
You can compare your energy costs with the Victorian Government's independent comparison site: Victorian Energy Compare (opens in a new tab).
There is also the Energy Assistance Program (opens in a new tab), a free over-the-phone service designed to support Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills. This is run by the Victorian Government, delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria.
If you have complaints about your electricity or gas company that you are unable to resolve directly, the Energy and Water Ombudsman (opens in a new tab) may be able to assist you. It is a free, independent body available to all Victorians.
You can also go to our Energy Saving Tips page for more help.
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What councils are in the program?
Go to Find your council to see who is participating in Council Home Energy Program
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My council is not listed, can I still use the program?
Unfortunately, the Council Home Energy Program is only available to residents in participating council areas. We recommend you ask your local council if they have any support or programs available in your area.
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Are there other services available to help businesses save energy?
Energy Savers (opens in a new tab) is another program led by the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) and provides advice to businesses located in select council areas.
They provide advice and connect business owners with trusted installers for a range of energy efficiency upgrades, including:
- Lighting upgrades (LED)
- Refrigeration
- Water-saving devices
- Ventilation
- Lighting upgrades (LED)
Insulation
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How can I tell if my home needs more insulation?
Signs that your home may need more insulation include fluctuating indoor temperatures, high energy bills, draughts, and uneven heating or cooling.
A professional energy assessment can help determine if additional insulation is needed.
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What are insulation R values?
The R value of insulation measures its performance, how well it resists heat flow. The higher the R value the higher the level of insulation.
The type and R value of insulation that is best suited to your home will depend on your climate and construction type.
The National Construction Code (NCC) set out minimum requirements for the R values of materials used in the construction of buildings. It is generally advisable to exceed these for greater comfort and energy savings.
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What is draught proofing and why is it important in Victoria?
Draught proofing involves sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent air from entering and escaping.
In Victoria, where temperatures can vary, draught proofing helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round and reduce energy waste.
A professional energy assessment can help determine if draught proofing is needed.
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Are there any discounts for insulation in Victoria?
Yes. Eligible households can access a discount for ceiling insulation through the state government's Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program (opens in a new tab). The discount is available to homeowners, landlords and private renters, provided renters have written permission from their landlord. The home must have no ceiling insulation or insulation that is well below the recommended level (usually an R-value below R2.0).
Home energy assessments
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How long does a home energy assessment take?
The duration of a Home Energy Assessment will vary depending on the size and complexity of your home. On average, an assessment typically takes a few hours to complete, which includes an inspection of your property and generating your rep
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What are the benefits of improving my home's energy efficiency?
Improving your home's energy efficiency can help reduce energy bills, increase comfort, and lower your environmental impact. Energy-efficient upgrades identified through an assessment can also save you money over time and may increase your property's value.
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Can I undertake energy-saving upgrades without a home energy assessment?
Absolutely. The assessment provides a comprehensive analysis of your home's energy performance and tailored recommendations for improvements, but you can make upgrades without having this assessment done.
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What qualifications do the assessors in the program have?
All assessors providing Home Energy Assessments through the Council Home Energy Program are trained and accredited under the previous government-led Residential Efficiency Scorecard program. Some assessors are also becoming accredited under the new NatHERS Existing Homes framework.