About the gas shut down
The compressed natural gas (CNG) network operated by Solstice Energy in 10 regional Victorian towns will be shut down by mid to late 2026. The towns impacted are:
| Region | Towns |
|---|---|
| Loddon Mallee | Marong, Heathcote, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, Kerang |
| Hume | Nathalia |
| Barwon South West | Terang |
| Gippsland | Lakes Entrance, Orbost |
Some Solstice customers in these towns currently rely on natural gas that is compressed in Bendigo and Corio and then trucked into local networks.
As the cost of this legacy arrangement has continued to rise, Solstice Energy has determined the CNG networks are no longer commercially viable and will be phased out.
Solstice Energy is helping its customers switch to a cheaper energy supply – bottled LPG or electricity.
Solar Victoria, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, and the SEC are offering a suite of practical supports to help Solstice Energy customers transition to cleaner, more affordable energy.
Support to install solar and energy efficient hot water
The Solar Homes Program provides eligible Victorians with rebates to reduce the upfront cost of installing residential solar - with the option of an interest-free loan - and energy efficient hot water systems.
For resources that can help you create an all-electric home, visit our Solar Hub.
Who to contact for support
If any of the exemptions below apply to you, please call Solar Victoria’s dedicated customer service team on 1300 376 393 (9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, except public holidays). See more ways to contact us.
No income threshold
We have temporarily removed the $210,000 household income eligibility criteria for impacted households to access our solar PV and energy efficient hot water rebates.
If your combined household taxable income exceeds $210,000 per year, please call us.
If your combined household taxable income is below $210,000 per year, you can apply through the normal channels on our website. To check the eligibility criteria, go to solar panel (PV) rebate and hot water rebate.
Hot water systems of any age can be replaced
Impacted Solstice customers can apply for a hot water rebate of up to $1,400 no matter how old their existing system is. We have temporarily removed the criteria that systems to be replaced must be at least 3 years old from the date of purchase.
Rental providers can apply for a hot water rebate
Rental providers of properties impacted by the CGN closure can now also apply for a hot water rebate. We have temporarily removed the criteria for applicants to be owner-occupiers.
Rental providers can also apply for our solar panel (PV) rebate for rental properties on a maximum of two rental properties each financial year.
$600 top up for residents who do not meet VEU program criteria
When applying for a hot water rebate, a top up of $600 will also be available to residents in homes less than two-years old or whose hot water systems may have been installed in the last 5 years.
This support means customers are not disadvantaged by not meeting these eligibility requirements which apply to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
Taking advantage of these rebates will help you save on your energy bills:
| Rebate | Upfront savings | Energy savings |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panel (PV) rebate | Save up to $2,800 upfront to install rooftop solar for owner occupiers, new builds and rental properties. | Save up to $1,000 a year when you use solar energy to run appliances and avoid retail electricity costs. |
combined with | Save up to $2,030 upfront to install a locally made hot water system when combined with a VEU hot water discount*, or up to $1,630 if you choose another eligible system. * A $600 top up is available for people whose homes or hot water systems do not meet the VEU hot water discount requirements. | Save up to $330 a year when you install an energy efficient hot water system to replace a gas system. |
Supporting local manufacturing
If you select an Australian made hot water product, you may be eligible for a hot water rebate of up to $1,400 – reducing your upfront costs while supporting local jobs. See the list of eligible locally made products.
Find a Solar Homes retailer in your area
To find an authorised solar retailer in your area, go to find a retailer and enter your location in the search bar.
Only authorised retailers, accredited installers and eligible products can be used in the Solar Homes Program. This ensures you receive a quality product, installed safely by a qualified professional.
Support to install home heating and cooling and cooktops
Impacted households and businesses can access significant discounts on energy-efficient appliances through the VEU program. This includes discounts for:
- energy efficient hot water systems
- reverse-cycle air conditioners
- induction cooktops
- clothes dryers, fridges, freezers, televisions and more
- weather sealing and window glazing
- commercial and industrial lighting and cold rooms.
For a summary of upfront discounts and energy savings, go to Latest discounts and rebates.
Find a Victorian Energy Upgrades accredited provider in your area
The following accredited providers have confirmed with us their availability to support households in the 10 impacted towns to go electric:
| Accredited provider | Type of energy upgrade | Towns serviced |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Energy Rebates Victoria Phone: 03 9811 7043 | Energy efficient hot water systems Induction cooktops Reverse-cycle air conditioners Rooftop solar | All |
| Creditex Phone: 02 9091 0860 | Energy efficient hot water systems Induction cooktops Reverse-cycle air conditioners Rooftop solar | All |
| Rebate Hub Phone: 1300 200 730 | Energy efficient hot water systems Induction cooktops Reverse-cycle air conditioners Rooftop solar | All |
| Coldflow Phone: 03 9549 6100 | Energy efficient hot water systems Induction cooktops Reverse-cycle air conditioners Rooftop solar | All |
Please revisit this page as we will progressively list more VEU accredited providers. You can also search all VEU accredited providers on the Essential Services Commission website.
Other support available
Resources
Saving with solar: Your guide to solar panels (PV)
Learn about how rooftop solar can help you save on energy - and help the environment.
Tapping into savings: Your guide to hot water
Heating water accounts for around 20% of energy use in the home. Find out how you can save more than $400 every year by upgrading to a new energy efficient hot water system.
Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide
Use this guide to help you plan the right solar panel (PV) system for your home. It includes the types of systems available and factors to consider when making a purchase.
Hot Water Buyers Guide
Use this guide to help you plan the right hot water system for your home. It includes the types of hot water systems available and factors to consider when making a purchase.
Solar panel (PV) rebate
Solar panel rebates plus the option of an interest-free loan are available for eligible Victorian homes.
Hot water rebate
Hot water rebates of up to $1,000 are available for eligible heat pump and solar hot water products. If you select a locally made product, you could be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,400.
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