Cheap EV charging during solar hours in Clifton Hill & a new statewide Home Energy Upgrades program for NSW
We have officially launched our new project Sport & Spark with our first event on Saturday 30 May 2026. The project will be engaging community members on electrification through sports. We are excited for three more events this month. You can read more about the project below.
Other YEF news & important industry updates:
- YEF welcomes three new non-executive directors
- Changes to eligibility criteria for Solar Victoria rebates
- NSW introduces discounts and interest-free loans for energy saving upgrades
- Victoria introduces The Energy Assistance Program an over-the-phone service for energy advice
USING | Cheaper EV charging during solar hours!
Our new EV charger at the Collingwood Leisure Centre, 28 Turnbull St, Clifton Hill, is up and running. The 60 kW community EV charger features two wheelchair-accessible bays and works alongside our community battery to support the grid and increase the use of renewable energy.
We're already seeing drivers take advantage of the lower cost solar pricing window, choosing to charge when solar generation is highest and helping make better use of renewable energy.
Pricing Window | Time Period | Energy Fee ($/kWh)* |
Solar | 10am-4pm | $0.49 |
Peak | 4pm-9pm | $0.70 |
Off-peak | 9pm-10am | $0.59 |
* Pricing current as of June 2026 and subject to change
Use is via the Exploren app. Credit card payment is not available at the charger.
NSW | GOV | LAUNCHING | Home Energy Saver
The New South Wales Government has launched the Home Energy Saver Program to help households invest in energy-efficient home upgrades.
Eligible households in NSW can apply for interest-free loans of up to $15,000 per property to fund approved upgrades. Eligible low-income households can apply for a discount of up to $4,000, funded by the NSW Government.
Home Energy Saver loans and discounts can be used for:
- Rooftop solar and batteries
- Switchboard upgrades
- Heat pump and solar water heaters
- Reverse cycle air conditioners
- Induction cooktops
- EV level 2 chargers
- DC ceiling fans
- Ceiling insulation
- Draught-proofing
- Double glazing
- NatHERS assessments
YEF welcomes this announcement and the program's whole home approach to energy efficiency. Alongside solar and electrification, it's great to see support for thermal upgrades such as insulation and draught-proofing. By reducing upfront costs, the program helps tackle one of the biggest barriers preventing households from investing in energy-saving improvements.
REPORTING | Sport & Spark Events - May & June
Our Sport & Spark project is officially underway! Our first event on Saturday 30 May 2026 was a huge success. Congratulations to Truganina Lions for running the event.
We are extremely excited to be putting on another three events this month with our partner sport clubs: Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club Inc, Footscray Rangers Football Club and Altona Hockey Club.
YEF is working in partnership with community sports clubs across Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Whittlesea and Wyndham to engage households on home electrification through community sports events and activities.
YEF has been awarded funding from the Victorian Government to deliver this initiative as a part of the Cheaper Home Electric Energy Program
WELCOMING | Three new Non-Executive Directors to YEF Board
YEF has welcomed three new Non-Executive Directors to its Board: Ferrah Dagli, Kirrily Noonan, and Luke Giuliani. Also appointed was Justin Lichtblau as an Advisor to YEF’s Brand & Partnerships Committee.
Ferrah, Kirrily and Luke are highly respected leaders bringing a wealth of experience, insight, and passion for creating positive impact. The new Directors will strengthen the organisation’s capability and strategic position as it continues empowering communities through the energy transition.
UPCOMING | Changes to Solar Victoria rebates
The Solar Victoria is changing the eligibility criteria for the solar panel PV rebate, solar rebates for rental properties and hot water rebate.
Key points:
- The income threshold is lowering from $210,000 to $150,000 combined income per household
- This comes into effect from July 1st 2026
- If your income is between the $150,000 and $210,00 you have until 5pm June 30 to submit a full application to secure the rebate
- Learn more about upcoming changes
OFFERING | Victorian Government Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program offers free, confidential support from friendly advisers. It is delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with Anglicare Victoria.
This over-the-phone service is designed to provide assistance to Victorian households that are having trouble paying their energy bills. This includes assistance to navigate the energy market, access critical energy affordability supports, manage cost of living pressures by saving money on energy bills, and better understand your consumer rights and protections.
- Call: 1800 161 215
- 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Program services:
- apply for eligible concessions and grants
- access your retailer’s hardship programs
- find, compare and switch energy offers
- understand energy bills and address billing errors
- provide energy saving and efficiency advice
- provide referrals to other services like financial counselling.
This service is available to all Commonwealth Government Concession card holders and anyone who is struggling or expecting to struggle to pay an energy bill.
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.
MORE:
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.