Flaws with the Allan Labor Government’s Solar Homes program is leaving vulnerable Victorians in the cold.
Gippsland residents have encountered significant challenges in the online lodgement system, which is unresponsive and directs them to Melbourne based retailers despite local supplier availability.
Speaking in state parliament, The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, has called for a review of the program.
“Residents have approached my office voicing their frustration in attempting to access the Solar Homes’ rebate scheme.
“A Traralgon resident recently abandoned the process after being given poor advice and delayed information that left her without hot water for two weeks.
“Despite Solar Victoria being based in the Latrobe Valley, Mrs Monument, was directed to a Melbourne based supplier to replace her hot water service.
“The interaction was unprofessional, unresponsive and included additional installation costs.
“Out of sheer frustration she abandoned the scheme because receiving a rebate was too difficult and the process was going nowhere.”
Ms Bath said Victorians are living in a cost-of-living crisis and Labor should be making it easy for residents to lower household bills instead of creating obstacles and causing distress.
“The program promised to deliver 770,000 households with subsidised energy efficient products – but it has failed to do so.
“Labor’s Solar Homes Program must be overhauled to ensure Victorians are not left in the cold.
“Labor can’t manage its own rebate program and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
