A total of 30 public buildings and sites in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley will receive funding for solar PV installations as part of a $5 million program to boost the region’s economy and reduce emissions.
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, was in Morwell to announce the sites that will receive a variety of solar systems including panels, solar hot water and solar lighting.
The Solar on Public Buildings Program upgrades will reduce energy consumption, cut power bills and are due to be completed by June 2019.
Energy upgrades have also commenced for up to 1,000 low-income homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.
The Latrobe Valley Home Energy Upgrade Program has already had more than 800 expressions of interest.
“These upgrades will make a real difference to the lives of up to 1,000 vulnerable Gippslanders,” said Ms D’Ambrosio.
“The energy upgrades and solar installations will not only help bring down energy prices for the Latrobe Valley, they will create local jobs in the renewable energy sector.”
Residents and landlords can access up to $4,500 worth of tailored solar PV or solar hot water packages and other upgrades, at no cost.
Local businesses Gippsland Solar, Sunny Afternoons and Rocky’s Electrical have been engaged for both programs.
The Home Energy Upgrade Program is expected to create 10 full-time jobs in the region.
