Member for Mildura Ali Cupper has written to Victoria’s Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, expressing concern about the local delivery of new energy-efficient hot water systems.
“Home and business owners have been quite eager to engage with the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program and receive rebates for replacing inefficient electric hot water systems,” Ms Cupper said.
“However, we’re hearing that in our region the energy upgrades program is being carried out entirely by out-of-town providers who are failing to fix any post-installation issues in a timely manner.
“Some of these new hot water systems seem to have problems, or are breaking down soon after installation, and no one is available to do the aftercare.”
A condition for the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program is that work must be carried out either by an Accredited Provider or a tradesperson, such as a plumber or electrician, who has a relationship with an Accredited Provider.
“The issue is that in Mildura no such relationships exist, and the hot water upgrade program has created a market for shonky out-of-town providers to do unsatisfactory work,” Ms Cupper said.
“The idea behind the program is great, but its delivery has been undesirable for several locals who are now left with ailing hot water systems, and can’t get any locals to lawfully fix them.
‘It just seems like an oversight, and I’ve made sure the Minister’s aware of the issue.”

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