Hot water systems

Victorian Energy Upgrades can help you save money on upgrade costs, reduce your energy bill and help the environment.

Water heating can account for 16 per cent of the average Victorian energy bill. It’s possible to reduce these costs by upgrading to a more efficient hot water system.

Further information about hot water systems and savings is available from Sustainability Victoria

The Victorian government is committed to helping Victorian households and businesses reduce their energy costs. We are helping you receive rebates or discounts through businesses accredited under the program (Accredited Providers) for replacing your old inefficient hot water system with a more efficient one.

All Victorian households and businesses that have an inefficient electric or gas hot water system are eligible to participate.

*Discount or rebate will vary – these figures are based on a certificate price of $17 and the average efficiency of products improved under the program. The final price could be higher or lower. Final price will depend on several factors including certificate price, type and size of upgrade, location, installation costs and administrative costs by Accredited Provider.

To participate, you must work directly with an Accredited Provider or use a tradesperson, such as a plumber or an electrician, that has a relationship with an Accredited Provider so that you can access the rebate.

Depending on your situation, there are 3 different ways of participating:

• Requesting that your local tradesperson facilitate the rebate by working with an Accredited Provider;
• Working directly with an Accredited Provider and assessing how to participate by using your own local tradesperson; or
• Working directly with an Accredited Provider and accessing their own list of tradespeople (if they have any available).

Ultimately, the Accredited Provider is the one responsible for helping you obtain a discount or rebate for the upgrade. The Accredited Provider will be able to explain how to participate, including what sort of products are eligible to be installed, the qualifications of the installer, and what documentation needs to be completed by yourself and the installer.

As with any market, it's worth shopping around and working out the right fit for your needs. Follow these tips when participating:

Check out Accredited Providers

There is a range of businesses accredited under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program offering different types of products, services, expertise and costs. 

Ensure the product's suitability

To participate, you must install an approved product. The administrator of the program, the Essential Services Commission, approves products to ensure they meet minimum efficiency, quality and safety benchmarks. However, be sure to do your own research before proceeding as there can be many approved products and not all products are of the same quality or suitability for all working environments.

Check the level of rebate

The amount of incentive an Accredited Provider gives to its customers for participating in Victorian Energy Upgrades can vary.