Victorians who buy electric cooktops to replace gas models will be able to use their receipt to claim rebates of about $140 under changes to the state’s energy upgrades program that have taken effect, with plans to allow major retailers to provide the discounts.
On Sunday, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said electric cooktops had been added to the Victorian Energy Upgrade scheme, a program that helps discount the price of appliances if they are replacing inefficient or gas products.
Victorians can now claim discounts to replace gas cooktops with electric models.Credit: iStock
Electric cooktops bought from October 25 are now eligible for the rebates, with the state estimating a saving of about $140.
The state government has provided a list of 392 products that are eligible along with eight “accredited providers” that are approved to provide the cooktops with the discounted price.
But Victorians will also be able to access the savings more directly.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.Credit: Simon Schluter
D’Ambrosio said the government would announce in coming weeks details about how large retailers would apply the discount at the counter. Some accredited providers have online tools and apps that allow them to provide cash back once a receipt and proof of an existing gas bill is supplied.
“The opportunity [is there] for Victorians simply to go in store knowing that there are 392 appliances that they can choose from that they will get a discount,” she said.
“We will always encourage Victorians to look for cheaper ways to run their home because we know that every dollar saved for a Victorian family off an energy bill is a dollar that can go towards other things that are really important for the family.”
Belinda Baker, of 1st Energy Rebates Victoria, said the agency had created an app called Rebate Mate that allowed Victorians to simplify claiming their discount by uploading their receipt and evidence of an existing gas connection, and checking they were eligible.
“We then audit every application before submitting it to the Essential Services Commission,” Baker said.
“If there’s anything missing, we get in touch and make sure that it is a compliant application so we can get your rebate to you as quickly as possible.”
The Age revealed in December that the government was examining financial incentives to get more people to use electric cooktops.
But Labor has abandoned forcing the decision on households. Premier Jacinta Allan said in September that cooktops would not be included in a regulatory impact statement examining whether homes should be required to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives when they reach the end of their life.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program works by awarding carbon credits, known as certificates, to accredited providers in return for electrifying or replacing inefficient appliances.
The certificates are currently valued at $104 each, allowing installers to provide discounted prices to customers because they can make money selling the carbon credits later. Every year, energy retailers must buy millions of certificates on an open market, or they will face financial penalties and ultimately pass on these costs in energy bills.
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