- Published:
- Wednesday 6 December 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is helping up to 1,000 low income households in the Latrobe Valley access energy efficient upgrades to drive down their energy bills.
Warragul-based company Hills Energy Solutions will deliver $5 million in energy efficiency upgrades to homes in the greatest need in Latrobe City, Wellington and Baw Baw regions – with household upgrades up to $4,500.
The family business currently employs 10 people and will deliver energy efficiency assessments and retrofits on behalf of Sustainability Victoria and the Latrobe Valley Authority.
The Labor Government project will support skills development and generate business in Gippsland by using local businesses, trades, and products to deliver home energy assessments and upgrades.
It is expected to generate up to 10 additional full-time jobs, including two trade apprenticeships and training through the Labor Government’s Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard.
Eligible households will be provided with access to a package of upgrades that could include solar PV, solar hot water, insulation, efficient space heating, and other improvements such as efficient lighting – at no cost.
The program is available to low-income households based on their eligibility for Health Care Cards, Pensioner Concessions or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or households in energy or water retailer hardship programs.
More than 650 households have registered their interest in the program since February 2017.
More information is available on the Latrobe Valley Authority website at lva.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re doing what we can to drive down electricity bills – by helping experts work across the Latrobe Valley to assist households improve their energy efficiency and save money.”
“We’re boosting jobs and skills in the Latrobe Valley by using a local business to deliver energy efficiency assessments and upgrades using local products and services.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We’re helping Gippsland’s most vulnerable families make practical upgrades to their homes to reduce their energy bills.”
Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain
“The Latrobe Valley Authority and Sustainability Victoria will be working with Hills Energy Solutions to deliver free upgrades to homes, to improve their energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.”