DISCUSSING | Hot water emergency? Read this before you pick another gas system
When a hot water system fails, most households will replace it like-for-like. But with gas prices continuing to rise, and rebates available for electric heat pump hot water systems, it's worth considering your options before rushing back to gas.
In our latest article, we compare upfront costs, installation timeframes, running costs, and available rebates for gas storage vs heat pump hot water systems. It’s a practical guide for making an informed decision, especially when time is tight.
Head over to our LinkedIn newsletter to read the full article. And if you’ve dealt with a hot water emergency, we’d love to know what system you chose and why – let us know in the comments!
JOINING | Australia's first Vehicle-Grid Network
YEF is pleased to be one of the in-kind partners in Australia’s first national collaboration network accelerating electric vehicle-to-grid integration, called the Vehicle-Grid Network.
The Network will foster cross-sector partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovation to explore the potential of bidirectional EV charging to lower bills and emissions.
Commissioned by RACE for 2030 in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the project is led by Climate-KIC Australia and the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Interested parties from industry and government can contact Project Lead, Nodoka Nakamichi: nodoka.nakamichi@uts.edu.au
REPORTING | Efficient Electric Homes Summit
We recently joined hundreds of home electrification proponents at the Efficient Electric Homes Market Acceleration Summit in Sydney hosted by the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC).
Key takeaways included:
- Mandatory home energy ratings disclosure is a crucial step to drive minimum standards and incentivise owner upgrades, such as at the point of sale or lease.
- “One stop shops” for residential energy upgrades are common in Europe, with 86 in Belgium, where more successful models involve communities and local governments.
- The significant health benefits of home energy upgrades are an under emphasised outcome of the electrification movement.
- Congratulations to the EEC on launching their Market Acceleration Plan, which outlines a mission to establish a mature market for efficient electric retrofits across Australia.
- Read the Market Acceleration Plan
REPORTING | Achievements from the Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow
Since our first event in August this year, the Melbourne Community Electrification Roadshow has:
- Engaged 1,600 participants
- Delivered 19 local events
- Partnered with 15 community groups and councils
- Reached communities across 11 local government areas
Across information sessions, webinars, market stalls and expos, these events have helped households explore the benefits of electrification, like better home comfort, lower energy bills and lower emissions.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful partners, and to everyone who has attended an event.
We’ll be back from February 2026 with another round of fantastic community events. Check out our website for dates.
This project is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
WISHING | A safe and happy holiday season!
As we near the end of the year, we’d like to thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. From community batteries to home energy upgrades, it’s been a big year and we’re so grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and engaged community.
The YEF office will be closed from Tuesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen Monday 5 January 2026.
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and restful holiday season, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year.
SHARING | Our Services
Find out more about the services that Yarra Energy Foundation offers including:
- Feasibility studies
- Community Engagement
- Community battery strategies for local councils
- Consulting & advice
- Project management
- Solar & electrification programs
We are a small team of extremely passionate energy experts with decades of combined industry, governmental, business, and sustainability experience.
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Yarra Energy Foundation acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of this country, pays tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Yarra, and gives respect to the Elders past and present.