About the gas shut down
The compressed natural gas (CGN) 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.
How to access support to install solar and energy efficient hot water
For resources that can help you create an all-electric home, including installing solar PV and energy efficient hot water, visit our Solar Hub.
Income Threshold
We will temporarily remove 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 on 1300 376 393 (9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, except public holidays) and a staff member can walk you through the process. We can support you through the income cap exemption from Monday 25 August.
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.
Taking advantage of these rebates will help you save on your energy bills:
| Rebate | Upfront savings | Energy savings |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panel (PV) rebate | ave up to $2,800 upfront to install rooftop solar for owner occupiers, new builds and rental properties. | Have 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 or up to $1,630 if you choose another eligible system. | 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.
How to find a retailer in your area
To find an authorised 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.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is also identifying accredited providers that can deliver energy efficient hot water systems and efficient electric appliances like air-conditioners, induction cooktops, whitegoods and solutions for business locally across the affected communities.
Support to electrify your home and business
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 more information, go to Victorian Energy Upgrades.
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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