Residents in Orbost and Lakes Entrance affected by the closure of the Solstice compressed natural gas (CNG) network are being offered a State Government support package to help them switch to electric appliances.
The government has announced new measures after Solstice confirmed it would close its network, which serviced 10 regional towns.
The network was established under a program by the former Coalition Government, which Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh labelled a “failed program” that would have “locked customers into higher bills for decades”.
To assist the 1183 impacted customers, including those in Orbost and Lakes Entrance, the government is providing practical support through the State Electricity Commission (SEC) and Solar Victoria.
Solar Victoria will temporarily remove its income eligibility cap for affected households, allowing more families to access rebates for solar panels and efficient electric hot water systems.
This includes a $1400 rebate for rooftop solar and another $1400 for an Australian-made hot water unit, plus the option of a $1400 interest-free loan for solar panels, providing up to $4200 in upfront support.
Through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, households can also receive discounts of up to $560 to replace gas hot water heaters with more efficient heat pump models, potentially saving up to $330 on annual energy bills.
East Gippsland Shire Council chief executive officer Fiona Weigall said it is important that the community is aware of the support available and knows Council is here to help.
“These changes will affect a number of households and businesses in our region, and we understand that this can be concerning for those impacted,” Ms Weigall said.
“While the decision to close the gas networks is a matter for the state government, council is committed to helping our community navigate this transition.
“We’ll continue to advocate for active consultation and ensure that residents and businesses have the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their energy options.”
To provide direct assistance, the SEC will run local community information sessions and webinars for customers in the impacted towns.
Residents will be able to get help with the process of going electric and use the SEC’s free “electric home planner” tool to design a personalised plan.
