Victorians Plan $14.6bn War on Energy Bills
REA and Origin research: Victorian households plan about $14.6bn on energy upgrades by 2031 — insulation, solar, and the strongest appetite for all-electric homes.
Solar
Australia — Did you know Victorian homeowners are lining up a multi-billion-dollar fight with their energy bills? Here’s what happened.
New research from realestate.com.au and Origin (Australian Home Energy Report, 9 September 2026) estimates Victorians will spend about $14.6 billion over the next five years on energy-efficiency upgrades. About 70% of the state’s households say they plan to spend an average $8,350 by 2031. Nationwide, the same work puts the figure near $85 billion.
Why Victoria stands out
- 46% of Victorians would consider a fully electric home — the highest share of any state in the report.
- 79% already have some energy-efficiency feature, but most still want more.
- Only about 27% already have rooftop solar, versus about 48% in South Australia.
- Among buyers and renters, the top wants were insulation (41%) and solar panels (40%).
REA Group economist Megan Lieu said the planning looks like households expect bills to keep climbing — and that energy-efficient features increasingly show up in what buyers value. Upfront cost is still the brake.
The guide plan
You are the hero of this story. The $14.6bn figure is the alarm clock — not a shopping list.
- Stop the leaks first — insulation and draughts before shiny kit.
- Swap the gas loads that hurt most (hot water, heating) for efficient electric.
- Size solar for daytime use, then decide if a battery earns its keep.
- Check current rebates and loans — federal battery support still targets up to around 30% off eligible storage; Victoria also runs Solar Homes / VEU-style discounts that change with eligibility.
- Match the design and paperwork to your house — not a flyer average.
Lightning Energy’s role is the guide across solar, batteries, heat pumps/air-con and whole-home electrification. We have been doing this for 12+ years across 8,500+ systems — proof for the plan, not the hook.
Stake your claim on upgrades that cut the real load in your home — before another summer or gas spike does the arguing for you.
Source: realestate.com.au, 9 September 2026 — Victorian homeowners to spend $14.6bn to slash energy bills (REA Group and Origin Australian Home Energy Report).
