Central Victoria Solar City to deliver energy savings across 14 municipalities

Central Victoria Solar City’s Home Energy Assessment Team officially hits the streets of Central Victoria today in its bid to deliver 3000 free Home Energy Assessments across the 14 municipalities involved in this important research trial.

The 90 minute free Home Energy Assessments help householders learn how to reduce their energy bills and save money by looking at how energy is currently used at home and what can be done to reduce consumption.

Launching outside Bendigo Bank’s Bendigo Centre this morning, Central Victoria Solar City Project Director, Leah Sertori told Bendigo residents how they can benefit from receiving this free energy saving service for Central Victorians.

“Central Victoria Solar City’s free Home Energy Assessments help households manage electricity bills. The changes recommended in the Assessments are easy to make and can help ease the burden of rising electricity prices.

Signing up is simple. Residents can sign up into their local participating Bendigo Bank branch, or visit www.centralvictoriasolarcity.com.au. In exchange for signing up for an Assessment, completing our research surveys and remaining with the project until  30 June 2013, participants will also go in the draw to win an eco-holiday.

Data collected from the energy use surveys and interval meters installed as part of the trial will help all levels of government create sustainable energy policies, so it’s important that central Victorians participate.”

Ms Sertori said the Central Victoria Solar City research planned to investigate issues such as the influence of technological, behavioural, social and economic factors on energy consumption.

Participants in the launch will be invited to sign-up for a free Home Energy Assessment on the day and enter a draw to win a 1.5kW household solar electricity system, which will be given away on the day.

“Central Victoria Solar City offers some very attractive product offers and rebates,” Ms Sertori said.

Central Victoria Solar City participants can receive:

• $250 for completing the research and remaining with the project until June 30, 2013, if they sign up for a product or service other than the free assessment
• A 1.5kW Solar System for as little as $2,691
• A $500 Retrofit Bonus
• A $250 Solar Hot Water Bonus

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank’s Head of Environment & Sustainability Trudy Ellery is proud that branch staff from across Central Victoria will be assisting householders wishing to be a part of the research.

“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is committed to addressing environmental issues by providing customers and communities with simple and practical solutions that add up to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.

We recognise that our day-to-day business activities have an impact on the environment and we understand out environmental reputation will play a key role in the bank’s future success.”

Central Victoria Solar City is part of the Australian Government Solar Cities program that offers incentives to local residents and businesses to participate in a trial range of energy efficiency, local energy generation and demand management products and services.  As part of the Central Victorian trial, as well as free Home Energy Assessments, participants are able to access other products and services designed to help better create and manage energy use. Central Victoria Solar City Consortium members include Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA), Origin and Powercor. The Victorian Government is also a key funding contributor.

Householders can sign up for a free Home Energy Assessment by going into their local Bendigo Bank branch.