Gridless Launches Initiative to Replace Gas Heating with Electric Solutions in Victoria

The News Front Podcast

Melbourne, VIC – Gridless is proud to announce an initiative helping Victorian homeowners replace outdated gas heating systems with efficient electric solutions. Australians can leverage the generous Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebates on air conditioning, solar energy systems, and hot water systems.This push comes as households express growing concern over high gas bills and inefficient gas heaters. Gridless is stepping in as a full-service partner to facilitate the switch to affordable and energy-efficient systems.Victorians Frustrated by Old Gas Heating SystemsMany Victorian homeowners still rely on aging gas ducted heaters or other inefficient systems to stay warm. The rising utility bills, carbon emissions, and performance unreliability make it hard to ignore.Space heating and hot water typically account for a significant portion of a home’s energy costs and carbon footprint. Burning fossil fuels in homes contributes roughly 18% of Victoria’s total greenhouse gas emissions. A typical small home with gas ducted heating can generate about 3 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year just from heating, which is about double what a modern reverse-cycle heat pump system would produce for the same heat output. These aging heaters also struggle to distribute warmth evenly, often leaving some rooms cold while homeowners pile on extra blankets despite cranking up the thermostat.Gas bills have surged in recent years, adding financial strain without improving comfort.“Every time energy prices go up, families with old heaters feel it the most,” notes Gridless founder Jesse Raiz. Environmental concerns are mounting as well. Many households want to cut their carbon footprint, but gas appliances lock them into higher emissions. Moreover, older heaters can be unreliable or require frequent maintenance. The status quo is increasingly unsustainable. Victorian families are paying more for less comfort and contributing to greater pollution.Government Rebates Light the Way – Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is providing a welcome off-ramp from this situation. VEU offers generous rebates on energy-efficient products that replace old, inefficient systems. Over 2.2 million Victorian households have already benefited from the program since 2009. In 2022 alone, the VEU program facilitated the installation of over 818,000 energy-efficient upgrades across more than 535,000 homes and businesses.These upgrades translate into real savings. Investing upfront in efficient electric appliances can save households hundreds annually on bills. For example, the Victorian government reports that upgrading to efficient heating can save $150 to $600 per year on energy costs. Switching an old hot water system to a heat pump can save about $100–$200 yearly in running costs. Individual cases often see even larger gains. A large 220 m² home that spent around $2,674 per year heating with a high-efficiency gas ducted system might only spend about $1,977 after switching to a modern reverse-cycle ducted heat pump, resulting in roughly $700 in annual savings.The environmental impact of VEU-supported upgrades is equally impressive. The program has already prevented tens of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, cutting over 4.9 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2024 alone. The program is projected to eliminate 28 million tonnes of emissions from 2022 to 2025, equivalent to taking more than 8.5 million cars off the road for a year. These numbers give homeowners confidence that upgrading their own systems isn’t just beneficial for them; it’s part of a broader state-wide move toward cleaner, more efficient energy use. Replacing inefficient gas heaters or outdated appliances benefits both households and Victoria’s future emissions goals.Gridless Makes Switching EasyDespite the clear benefits, many homeowners hesitate to transition from gas to electric systems due to common fears.Gridless unders