Darebin Energy Upgrades Program
Program update: The Darebin Energy Upgrades Program is paused.
Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF), the contracted delivery partner for the Darebin Energy Upgrades Program, has entered voluntary administration.
Registrations for the program are temporarily paused while Council reviews arrangements for providing of the program going forward until 30 June 2027.
We are working through options to minimise disruption to residents who have already registered or are awaiting services.
We will provide further information to affected residents as soon as the next steps are confirmed.
Please call us on 8470 8888 if you have any questions.
FAQs
I've already registered for the program. What happens now?
Council is reviewing existing arrangements and working through next steps for residents who have already registered. We understand this uncertainty may be frustrating and will provide further information as soon as possible. Please call us on 8470 8888 if you have any questions.
I have an installation booked. Will it still go ahead?
Council is currently reviewing arrangements for scheduled installations. We recommend contacting Councilon 8470 8888 if you have an upcoming booking so your enquiry can be referred to the project team.
Will the Energy Upgrades program continue?
The Energy Upgrades Program is funded until 30 June 2027. Council is exploring options for continuing the program this year. No decision has been confirmed at this stage.
When will registrations reopen?
There is no confirmed date at this stage. Council will provide updates on its website as more information becomes available.
About the Darebin Energy Upgrades Program
We’re taking the hard work out of creating an efficient electric home or business by connecting you to quality products, at a competitive price, and with a reliable installer.
Through our new program we can help you to electrify and improve the efficiency of your home or business to increase comfort, reduce energy bills and invest in a cleaner, safer future.
Products available
Access our recommended suppliers and energy saving products including:
- Insulation and draught proofing
- Split systems
- Hot water systems
- Solar PV systems
- Batteries
- EV chargers
- Induction cooktops
Rebates
Rebates are available for both owner-occupiers and rental properties. Visit the Darebin Energy Upgrades website or contact us on energyupgrades@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out if you’re eligible.
Eligible households can apply for council rebates for insulation, draught proofing, split systems, solar PV systems, and hot water heat pumps.
A one-off gas disconnection payment of $220 is available to households disconnecting their last household appliance from the gas network. This payment is available to the first 30 eligible applicants.
Owner-occupied households
To be eligible for the Darebin Council rebate (once Round 2 of rebates are released), you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a valid concession card (Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card, Federal Concession Card, or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card).
- Have a combined household income of $120,000 or less.
Tenanted/rental properties
To be eligible for the Darebin Council rebate (once Round 2 of rebates are released), tenants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a valid concession card (Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card, Federal Concession Card, or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card).
- Total household income must be no more than the average of $60,000 per adult income earner and must be capped at $300,000 income per household.
Additionally, landlords need to meet the following criteria:
- Rental provider/landlord agrees not to seek any repayments from the tenant.
- Landlord agrees to participate in the program.
- Landlord is up to date with Darebin Council rates payments.
- Landlord has not received any previous rebate for the property over the 12-month life of the program (except for community housing organisations).