SEC to build installer and trade network to help Victorians switch to electric

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The State Electricity Commission (SEC) has committed to expanding its current offering to develop a ‘one-stop-shop’ to support households in making the switch to electric for their heating, hot water and cooking.

Modelling for the Victorian government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap shows that an average Victorian household with gas and electric appliances can reduce their annual energy bill by around $1,700 by going all-electric, or more than $2,700 a year with solar.

As a publicly owned renewable energy company, the SEC is committed to offering simple, trusted and practical solutions to help households make the switch.

More than 12,000 Victorians have already accessed the SEC’s electric home planner, which uses simple information about your home to create a personalised plan, including indicative appliance costs, government rebates, potential return on investment and emissions reduction. The planner also connects users with SEC-endorsed installers, who can provide a detailed in-home assessment and no-obligation quote.

From 2026, through the one-stop shop, Victorian households will have access to:

  • A consumer portal: Victorians will receive tailored guidance on the benefits of going all-electric, including environmental and cost-benefit analyses.  This portal will empower them to make informed decisions and take action.
  • Household electrification recommendations: the platform will visually represent a household’s potential electric home, recommending electric appliances. Consumers can compare quotes from multiple installers and opt to install appliances individually or all at once, using single or multiple installers.
  • Installer marketplace: The platform will connect users with accredited local installers, offering side-by-side comparisons of services and quotes to promote informed and confident decision-making.
  • Product marketplace: Consumers can compare endorsed products across various capabilities and price points, selecting options that best match their household needs and budgets. The product marketplace will include competitive financing solutions from verified third party providers.
  • Easy to read market information and platforms: the platform will streamline access to government rebates and low-interest financing.

SEC CEO, Chris Miller, said: “In 2024, SEC launched a series of pilots to assess the impact of SEC advice and direct to consumer engagement on the benefits of electrification for residential homes in Victoria.

“Thousands of Victorians are keen to make the switch, and we are committed to delivering an engaging customer experience for Victorian households, and a seamless lead generation and management experience for installers.

“Victorians can trust that SEC-endorsed installers will deliver a positive experience, providing trusted advice about services and technologies available that best suit individual household and lifestyle needs.”

The SEC will continue to work with leading industry and peak bodies such as the Energy Efficiency Council on industry best practice and compliance standards.

Trade and installer businesses who wish to participate should have expertise across all aspects of home electrification or specialist expertise in single appliances, including heat pump hot water, solar panels, heating and cooling.

They must have experience delivering similar initiatives, be able to respond to high levels of interest and meet criteria covering professional certifications, licences, accreditations, experience, track record, product quality and warranties.

Endorsed installers must also be authorised under relevant rebate and incentive programs, such as Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes and Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme.

Businesses can now register their interest.