In short:
Victorian households can now access upfront discounts on ceiling insulation through the expanded Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Discounts can reach $1,500 in Melbourne and $2,100 in regional Victoria, with potential energy bill savings of more than $400 a year.
Check Eligibility Requirements
Victorian households can now access upfront discounts for ceiling insulation, with the Victorian Energy Upgrades program expanding statewide from 1 October.
The scheme is available to eligible homes with no or insufficient ceiling insulation, following an initial rollout covering public and community housing earlier this year.
Almost 60 per cent of Victorian homes are estimated to have little or no ceiling insulation, which can increase the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a property.
How Much Could Households Save?
For an average Melbourne home, the discount can reach about $1,500, while households in regional Victoria may receive up to $2,100.
An average installation costs about $3,000 before the discount, meaning the scheme could cover up to half the cost for some households.
Households upgrading their ceiling insulation could also save more than $400 a year on energy bills, although actual savings will depend on the home, its existing insulation and energy use.
Extra Costs May Apply
The insulation itself may not be the only expense.
Some properties may require additional electrical or safety work before installation can proceed, while existing insulation may also need to be removed or upgraded.
Households should therefore compare quotes and consider the total cost of the work rather than assuming the maximum discount will apply.
A pre-installation electrical safety assessment is required, while upgrades through the program must be completed by accredited providers using appropriately certified installers.
Renters may also benefit from improved insulation where property owners choose to undertake the work.
For households considering an upgrade, the expansion makes ceiling insulation cheaper upfront, but the value of the discount will ultimately depend on the condition of the property, the installation cost and how much energy the household currently uses for heating and cooling.
