Owner-occupier pathway

Your electrification roadmap — in the right order

Most advice tells you to “go electric.” We tell you what to do first, why, and what rebates are on the table right now. Order matters — get the sequence wrong and you leave money on the table.

Note: Rebates change frequently. The figures below are accurate as of May 2026 but verify with your state government before contracting.
01

Hot water heat pump

Highest impact
Saving: $400–$700/yr vs gasPayback: 4–7 years after rebates

Hot water is typically 25–30% of a household energy bill. Heat pumps are 3–4× more efficient than gas or resistive electric. This is almost always the first and biggest win.

Rebates

VIC: up to $1,000 rebate. NSW: up to $1,600. ACT: zero-interest loan.

02

Induction cooktop

High impact
Saving: $100–$300/yr vs gasPayback: 1–3 years after rebates

Faster than gas, easier to clean, no combustion byproducts in your home. Most households can switch the cooktop without upgrading the switchboard.

Rebates

VIC: up to $500 rebate on induction upgrade.

03

Reverse-cycle air conditioning (replace gas heating)

High impact
Saving: $300–$600/yr vs gas ductedPayback: 3–6 years after rebates

Modern reverse-cycle systems are 3–5× more efficient per kWh than gas. Key: size the system correctly — oversizing wastes money.

Rebates

State-dependent. NSW PDRS pays per unit installed.

04

Rooftop solar

High impact
Saving: $800–$1,500/yr depending on size + usagePayback: 4–7 years

The ROI calculation changes significantly once you've electrified hot water and cooking — more of your generation stays in your home.

Rebates

Federal STC scheme reduces upfront cost by $2,500–$5,000 for a 6.6kW system.

05

Battery storage

Medium impact
Saving: $300–$800/yr depending on tariffPayback: 8–12 years (without VPP revenue)

Only makes strong economic sense once solar is in and you're on a ToU tariff. Don't buy a battery before solar.

Rebates

SA Home Battery Scheme, VIC Solar Homes battery rebate. More states adding.

06

Electric vehicle + smart charging

Variable impact
Saving: $1,000–$2,000/yr vs petrol (depends on usage)Payback: Vehicle-level payback 2–5 years for high-mileage drivers

The biggest win is avoiding fuel costs. Smart charging on an overnight ToU tariff maximises savings. V2G-capable vehicles are coming but not yet mainstream in AU.

Rebates

FBT exemption for novated lease. ACT, NSW, VIC stamp duty concessions.

Tariff matters too

Get on the right electricity tariff before you electrify

Switching from gas to electric appliances increases your electricity usage. If you're on a demand tariff, that increase will cost you more than it should. Check your tariff first.

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