Making your home more energy-efficient can save you money, make your home more comfortable to live in and reduce your environmental impact to benefit future generations.
Read on to explore some of the programs available to support you to live more sustainably.
The Energy Smart Homes Grant aims to support households in the City of Whittlesea to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.
The grant enables energy efficiency upgrades and electrification of homes, such as rooftop solar, insulation upgrades, induction cooktops, hot water/heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioners, and more.
This grant is facilitated by the Solar Savers program, providing financial assistance of $1,500 each for up to 30 households. Households are selected via a random draw and then directed to Solar Savers for next steps in coordinating their project.
Learn more about the grant program and how to apply
You can now find out how energy-efficient your home is for free, by borrowing a Sustainable Home Audit Kit from your local library.
The kit contains equipment and instructions to help you find ways to save energy and water throughout your home.
Download the Home Energy Efficiency Kit instruction guide(PDF, 3MB)
Borrow the kit
The Practically Green at Home guide, produced in partnership with Nillumbik Shire Council, includes topics such as:
- building design and site considerations
- indoor environment quality
- construction materials and waste
- fixtures and fittings
- furniture and finishes
- heating and cooling
- hot water systems
- household appliances
- renewable energy
- landscaping and gardening design.
Download the guides
Practically Green At Home(PDF, 6MB)
Practically Green At Home - Accessible(PDF, 599KB)
Practically Green At Home - Accessible(DOCX, 552KB)
Solar Savers is a local government initiative designed to make it easier and more affordable for households to install solar power. The program connects residents with reliable, accredited solar providers who have been carefully selected through a competitive tender process.
Solar Savers offers guidance throughout the process, from assessing your home's suitability for solar to installation and aftercare, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy experience. By supporting the transition to solar energy, the program helps households reduce electricity bills, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Solar Savers
The Living Green Workshop Series offers practical, hands-on sessions to help residents live more sustainably.
Covering topics such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable gardening, and eco-friendly living, these workshops are designed to inspire and empower or community to make simple, impactful changes at home.
Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, there's something for everyone.
Register for Living Green Workshops
Check out the details of the workshop series taking place from July 2025 to June 2026 in the poster below.
Explore Living Green Workshop Series(PDF, 365KB)
The Draught Stoppers Program is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of at-risk households. The program will help the eligible households get comprehensive draught-proofing/insulation to enhance the comfort of these homes.
By improving the thermal efficiency of their homes, we aim to provide immediate relief from high energy costs, enhance living conditions, and create long-term savings, ultimately contributing to their overall financial and environmental wellbeing.
Draught sealing and insulation can include:
- External doors
- Internal doors such as doors to garages
- Windows
- Wall vents
- Floor vents
- Evaporative cooler vents
- Heating return vents
- Gaps/Cracks i.e. skirting boards, architraves, and other construction gaps
- Pipe penetrations
- Man holes
- Skylights
- Ceiling insulation.
This program is invite-only, but if you would like to know more, please email us at sustainability.planning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Our Go Electric Plan is designed to help you identify the most energy-efficient options for your home and where you can access subsidies and rebates.
Go Electric Plan - Homeowners(PDF, 101KB)
Go Electric Plan - Renters(PDF, 110KB)
Go Electric Plan - Strata(PDF, 72KB)
If you would like to know more about this plan, please email us at sustainability.planning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Victorian energy compare
Victorian energy compare is a free, independent energy price comparison tool provided by the Victorian Government. It allows you to compare electricity, gas, and solar offers from all energy retailers based on information you provide about your household or small business. You can find the best energy offers and calculate potential savings on your bills.
SEC electric home planner
SEC's electric home planner will help in creating a personalised plan, including indicative appliance costs, government rebates, anticipated return on investment and emission reductions by just using simple information about your home.
Visit the SEC electric home planner page to make a plan
Solar Victoria rebates
Solar Victoria provides rebates to install solar PV, battery and hot water systems to eligible households. a new rebate is also available for renter properties.
Check your eligibility
Utility relief grant scheme
If you are experiencing hardship and struggling to pay your bills on time, you may be eligible to apply for a grant to help with overdue bills.
The utility relief grant scheme offers up to:
- $650 for each electricity, gas or water utility in a 2-year period
- $1,300 over 2 years if you only use a single source of energy, such as electricity.
For more information visit the utility relief grant scheme page.