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Information for businesses

Why upgrade your business?

Go electric and join thousands of households and businesses in Darebin investing in a cleaner, safer future while saving on your energy bills. 

Check out the benefits below, plus what each upgrade can do for your business. 

Cut operating costs 

Whether it’s running your shop or office or providing heating and cooling to an industrial process, electric is the way to go. Energy is often one of the biggest overheads for businesses, but by installing rooftop solar and upgrading to efficient electric appliances, you can cut long-term operating costs and protect yourself from volatile gas and electricity prices. With larger roof spaces and higher daytime energy use, businesses often see even greater savings and benefits from solar compared with households. 

Electrifying can have significant financial benefits. While there are many cost saving calculators for homes, business energy use varies much more widely and as a result can be more difficult to calculate. 

  • For smaller upgrades, discuss predicted savings with the sales representatives or consultants. 

Create healthier, more productive workplaces 

Gas systems for heating, cooking, and industrial processes can have health impacts, which businesses must consider under their occupational health and safety (OH&S) responsibilities. 

Replacing gas appliances improves indoor air quality and helps maintain consistent temperatures, supporting employee wellbeing and customer comfort. A comfortable workplace can even boost productivity! 

Lead the shift to renewable energy 

Businesses have a key role in the transition to a zero-emissions economy. By electrifying and sourcing power from renewables, your organisation can demonstrate leadership on climate action, strengthen its reputation, and align with community and government expectations. 

Upgrades that make sense for business 

  • Reverse cycle air conditioning: Efficient heating and cooling for large spaces. 
  • Insulation & draught proofing: Reduce overheads while improving comfort. 
  • Efficient hot water systems: Significant savings for cafés, restaurants, gyms and other high hot-water users.
  • Solar PV systems: Maximise savings by matching daytime energy use with solar generation. 
  • Battery storage: Support resilience, manage peak demand charges, and provide backup during outages. 
  • Electric vehicle chargers: Support staff and fleet transition to EVs, reduce running costs. 
  • Induction cooktops: Healthier kitchens for hospitality businesses with lower energy bills. 

Products, prices and rebates for businesses

Darebin City Council has partnered with Yarra Energy Foundation and vetted installers, All Electric Homes and Enviroflex, to offer a range of quality, affordable energy upgrades to Darebin residents and businesses. Our partners can also help you access any eligible government rebates. 

Select a product below for more details, pricing and available rebates.

 

Rooftop solar PV systems

Installing solar panels allows businesses to generate clean electricity during the day, which is typically when energy consumption is highest. You’ll remain connected to the grid for overnight or cloudy-day energy needs, and any additional grid electricity can be sourced from a 100% renewable supplier or even better, Greenpower.

Battery storage

Adding a battery enables you to store unused solar power, making it ideal for businesses with 24/7 energy demands such as refrigeration. Batteries with blackout protection can also safeguard critical systems or allow continued trading during outages. 

See products available.

 

Reverse cycle air conditions (split systems)

A reverse cycle air conditioner (or split system) is around four times more efficient than gas heating. Reverse cycle air conditioners also provide efficient cooling over the summer months. 

Split systems for business use (including home businesses) may be eligible for an additional $1,000 rebate through the Darebin Energy$mart program. 

See products available.

Hot water heat pumps

Replacing your old gas hot water system with a heat pump system is an excellent way to reduce running costs and utilise renewable energy. Heat pump hot water systems for business use (including home businesses) may be eligible for an additional $1,000 rebate through the Darebin Energy$mart program. 

According to Sustainability Victoria, heat pump systems use 60–75% less electricity than traditional electric systems. Additionally, they can be programmed to heat water during the middle of the day, acting like a thermal battery and storing excess solar energy. 

The best returns on investment can be achieved by heavy hot water users, ranging from small businesses such as hairdressers, massage therapists, or gyms who use a lot of hot water, through to food manufacturers or others who require industrial amounts of high temperature water for cleaning. Any business can benefit from replacing a gas hot water system, as this enables the use of clean renewable energy for hot water and is another step towards getting rid of your gas connection. 

Domestic-sized units are available through this program, contact the Sustainable Business team to discuss larger systems through the Energy$mart program.  sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au 

Sustainable business enquiry 

See products available. 

Electric vehicle chargers

Transitioning to electric transport is a practical way to embrace a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective future. Whether it’s bikes, cars, vans, trucks, buses, or forklifts, switching to electric reduces emissions and operational costs.  

Charging your electric vehicle on site is convenient and allows you to make the most of off-peak electricity pricing, or even better, use your own solar energy. Compared to petrol cars, charging your EV at your business could save you $1,000–$2,000 per year, depending on how much you drive.  

See products available. 

Induction cooktops

Induction cooktops heat quickly while keeping surfaces cool to the touch. The smooth, flat surface of induction cooktops makes them easy to clean, saving time and labour. They reduce health risks from gas stoves, offering a safe and efficient cooking option. 

Only domestic model induction cooktops are available through this program, contact your commercial kitchen suppliers for restaurant and café rated models. 

See products available.

Insulation (ceiling, wall, underfloor)

Thick, continuous insulation can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 45%, significantly lowering energy bills and improving comfort. Ceiling insulation alone can cut heat loss in winter by 25–35%, while wall and floor insulation further reduce heat transfer. Our vetted supplier can install new insulation or top up existing insulation. 

See products available. 

Draught proofing

Gaps and cracks, such as around windows, doors and exhaust fans can account for up to 25% of heat loss in winter and allow hot air to enter in summer. Sealing gaps prevents air leakage, reduces heating and cooling costs and improves comfort.    

See products available.