Supporting Solstice Energy customers to go electric

Special exemptions and discounts to transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for Solstice customers impacted by the shutdown of its compressed natural gas network.

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:

RegionTowns
Loddon MalleeMarong, Heathcote, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, Kerang
HumeNathalia
Barwon South WestTerang
GippslandLakes Entrance, Orbost

We are providing practical support through the Solar Homes and Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programs for impacted Solstice Energy customers who wish to transition to cleaner, more affordable energy.

We recommend starting your research and planning to electrify your home or business now, so you are prepared. Visit our Solar Hub for resources that can help you create an all-electric home.

Solstice Energy is helping its customers switch to a cheaper energy supply – bottled LPG or electricity.

Rooftop solar and energy efficient hot water exemptions for rebates

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.

We have introduced the following exemptions for our solar panel (PV) and hot water rebates for impacted Solstice customers.

Want help understanding our rebates and exemptions?

To discuss any of the exemptions below, please call our 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.

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.

Home heating and cooling and cooktops discounts available

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 providerType of energy upgradeTowns serviced
1st Energy Rebates Victoria
Phone: 03 9811 7043
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 - by referral
All
Creditex
Phone: 02 9091 0860
Energy efficient hot water systems
Induction cooktops
Reverse-cycle air conditioners
Rooftop solar
All
Ecovantage
Phone: 1300 721 335
Energy efficient hot water systems
Induction cooktops
Reverse-cycle air conditioners
Rooftop solar
All
Energy Makeovers
Phone: 1300 788 776
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

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.

Estimated costs and potential savings to switch to electric

Below are estimated costs and potential savings if you choose to switch to electric appliances with rebates and discounts.

Gas hot water to energy efficient electric heat pump

Initial cost: $4,000 – $5,000

Less rebates and discountsLess Solstice paymentTypical yearly savings

Up to $2,030 if you buy and install a locally made hot water system or up to $1,630 if you choose another system.

Hot water rebate combined with VEU hot water discount.

A $600 top up is available for people whose homes or hot water systems do not meet the VEU hot water discount requirements.

$300 – $600

With LPG* $560 (approx.)

compared with

After going electric# $1,560 (approx.)

Gas room heater to electric reverse cycle unit

Initial cost: $2,400 – $5,000

Less rebates and discountsLess Solstice paymentTypical yearly savings

Up to $1,610 when you replace a gas heater

VEU heating and cooling discounts

$400

With LPG* $460 (approx.)

compared with

After going electric# $1,300 (approx.)

Gas central heating to electric ducted reverse cycle system

Initial cost: $10,700 – $16,000

Less rebates and discountsLess Solstice paymentTypical yearly savings

Up to $5,530 when you replace a gas ducted heater

VEU heating and cooling discounts

$600

With LPG* $1,170 (approx.)

compared with

After going electric# $3,370 (approx.)

Gas cooktop to induction cooktop

Initial cost: $2,300 – $3,000

Less rebates and discountsLess Solstice paymentTypical yearly savings

Up to $140 to replace an existing gas cooktop

VEU induction cooktop discount

$250

With LPG* $50 (approx.)

compared with

After going electric# $110 (approx.)

Please note:

  • Eligible Solstice customers will receive $1,000 per premises to convert to electric appliances. This is in addition to the rebates and discounts shown above.
  • Solstice will only manage a conversion if you decide to move to bottled gas (LPG).
  • Savings amounts are indicative only and don’t consider your specific circumstances. You may have arrangements with energy retailers and tariffs that impact these amounts.

* Estimated yearly energy bill savings when household converted from CNG to LPG.
# Estimated yearly energy bill savings when household converts from the CNG network to all-electric.

Save even more with solar

Our solar panel (PV) rebate saves you up to $2,800 upfront to install rooftop solar for owner occupiers, new builds and rental properties.

Solar Homes customers can save up to $1,000 a year when they use solar energy to run appliances and avoid retail electricity costs.

Other support available

Resources

Updated

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