Financial support for residents on a low income

Financial support for residents on a low income

About Merri-bek’s Home Energy Subsidy Program 

Merri-bek’s Home Energy Subsidy Program helps eligible households stay comfortable at home all year round and reduce their energy bills.

The Program makes it easier and more affordable to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Financial subsidies are available for eligible households to install solar panels or make thermal upgrades.

Through the Program, you can access support, advice, good quality products, and accredited suppliers. Generous subsidies can help to reduce the upfront cost.  

 

Upgrade Type

Help to

Subsidy Value

Delivery partner
Solar

 

 install PV Panels (does not include solar battery upgrades) $3000 EnviroGroup
Thermal includes draught sealing gaps around doors, windows, ceiling vents, fireplaces. Installing ceiling insulation (or if applicable floor insulation) $2000 Ecomad

Eligibility Criteria

you must meet all the following requirements:

  • Be a Merri-bek resident; and
  • Be an owner-occupier living in Merri-bek, OR a renter with written permission from the landlord to make changes to the property; and
  • Have not received a subsidy from Merri-bek for solar panels OR insulation and draught proofing; and
  • Live in a home that is fully constructed (not under construction or being renovated)

And meet one of the Eligibility Stream requirements:

  • The concession subsidy stream is available only to Merri-bek residents who hold a valid concession card

OR

  • Be considered a low-income household based on the following thresholds*, and do not own additional properties;

*Income thresholds are based on the Victorian Government low income thresholds for accessing affordable housing. Thresholds are updated every July in the Victorian Government Gazette 

 Household Make Up

 Annual Income

Weekly Income 
 Single $51,590  $992
 Couple – No Dependant $77,390  $1,488
 Family – Single / Couple with dependent child/ ren $108,350  $2,083

 

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Merri-bek Home Energy Subsidy program in action

Dorothy, a Gowanbrae resident, contacted Council because she had a lot of draughts in her home and wanted to save on bills. Through the program, she received draught-proofing around external doors, fully installed roof insulation and new lights in her brick veneer unit – all for free.

“Don’t hesitate to contact Council about the program. It’s free and it’s wonderful!” says Dorothy.

Hear from Maria who had insulation installed.

Save with solar

Putting solar panels on your home can reduce your electricity bills.

The Merri-bek Home Energy Program is a joint council initiative that can connect you with rooftop solar installers. This program is separate to our low-income subsidy program and any Merri-bek resident can accessthe Merri-bek Home Energy Program.

Hear from Mercedes who had solar installed using the Merri-bek Home Energy Program

Victorian Government Energy Concessions

Victorians from low-income households can receive concessions and benefits to help pay their energy bills.

If you have a relevant concession card, you may be eligible for a range of annual electricity concessions to help with energy bills.

Visit the Victorian Government website for more information.

Get help in your language

Language Link is a telephone interpreting service for Merri-bek’s community languages.

Phone the Language Link contact number for your language. An interpreter will contact Council and interpret for you as you speak with a Council officer.

 

 

Contact

Contact Katherine (Merri-bek’s Energy Officer) on 9304 9717 or by email zcmprograms@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to find out more.