About the trial
The ElectriFAIRcation trial helped 44 households replace their gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives, including cooking, heating and hot water systems. It aimed to better understand the opportunities, costs and challenges of electrifying homes for households. Many households also received other upgrades, such as rooftop solar, insulation and draughtproofing. These upgrades helped with energy efficiency and improved comfort throughout the year.
Why it matters
Victoria's energy system is changing but not every household finds it easy to electrify. The upfront cost of new appliances, access to trusted advice and the complexity of organising upgrades can make electrification harder for some people.
The trial helps us understand:
- how households experience the move from gas to electricity
- the practical challenges involved in electrifying homes
- how electrification can help reduce total energy costs
- how upgrades such as solar, insulation and draughtproofing can improve outcomes
- the support households need to successfully navigate electrification
- what increased electricity use could mean for our network.
A community-led approach
A key part of the trial was community-led design.
Working with GCCN brought local knowledge, trusted relationships and practical support into the project. GCCN led engagement with participating households, helping residents understand the process, access upgrades and share their experiences.
This local approach was important. For many households, electrification can feel complex or unfamiliar. Having trusted local people involved helped build confidence and made it easier for households to take part.
The trial has shown that trust, local knowledge and community partnerships are just as important as the technology itself.
What we're learning
Early analysis shows that all-electric homes can reduce total energy costs, particularly when electrification is combined with rooftop solar and energy-efficiency upgrades.
The results also show that every home is different. Household size, energy use, appliance types, solar generation, insulation and draughtproofing can all affect the final outcome.
These insights will help us better understand:
- the costs, benefits and challenges of electrification for vulnerable households
- how tailored support can help households make the switch
- how solar and energy-efficient upgrades can improve comfort and affordability
- how changing energy use may affect the local electricity network
- how community-led delivery can support better customer outcomes.
Supporting a fair energy transition
The ElectriFAIRcation trial is helping us understand how the energy transition can be fairer, more practical and more inclusive.
The learnings will help inform future customer support, community partnerships and network planning, so more households can access the benefits of cleaner, more efficient electric homes.