Imagine retaining power in a storm or cutting your electricity bill in half. Imagine a home that is not only comfortable but cheaper to run with minimal carbon footprint.
Yarra Valley Community Power Hub (YV-CPHub) can help you achieve this, one step at a time.
Supported by Sustainability Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government, YV-CPHub is your first point of call for understanding the services, discounts, rebates and free upgrades available in your area. Six community energy groups in five LGA’s spanning the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges are under its umbrella.
Executive Officer Jeff Barlow said the groups operating under YV-CPHub ensured much of the hard work was done.
“The local community energy groups do all the hard work for households by sourcing good quality products at great prices with reputable installers,” Mr. Barlow said. “Energy efficient products can pay for themselves over a few years just from the savings created from using less energy. Some banks even have Green Loans at low interest rates to assist with the upfront costs.”
Many householders are unaware they can have their home assessed for energy efficiency. They can then upgrade the basics for free and have a free energy monitor installed to keep track of consumption. Government rebates are also available on bigger items like hot water pumps, solar panels and batteries for those who qualify. And, thanks to the power of community bulk-buying, reverse cycle air conditioning, electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries and more are available at fair prices.
Find out more about home energy efficiency and YV-CPHub’s new reverse cycle air conditioning offer at a Zoom information session on Wednesday, April 27, 7.30pm-9pm. More in-depth courses are available at community houses in Eltham, Emerald and Pakenham. Visit www.yvcommunitypowerhub.org.au to find out more.
Written by Karen Casey.
