Major milestone reached in Esperance Energy Transition Plan

August 02 2022

• First household in Esperance successfully transitioned from gas to electricity
• Existing gas customers in Esperance to switch from reticulated gas to long-term energy solutions, with opportunities to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions
• Applications for the Energy Transition Plan are open providing support to households and businesses through the transition

We are pleased to announce the first household has been successfully ‘electrified’, transitioning from reticulated gas to electricity, as part of the Esperance Energy Transition Plan.

This marks a major milestone for the Esperance Energy Transition Plan, which is converting current reticulated gas customers to alternative longer-term energy solutions in advance of the closure of the area's privately-owned gas network in March 2023.

Manager Customer Solutions, Jaryd Revere said Horizon Power is working with registered homeowners, businesses and tradespeople in Esperance to ensure the transition occurs seamlessly and addresses individual’s unique needs.

“Electrifying the first household is a great achievement for the dedicated Horizon Power team, local trades, energy experts, and customers who have come together to ensure the success of this innovative project,” Mr Revere said.

“Our dedicated team has held community information sessions, energy efficiency consultations, one-on-one meetings with affected businesses, engagement with trades, and extensive communications and engagement with affected homeowners. It has been important that we involve customers and trades throughout the process to consider unique needs and circumstances and facilitate customer choice in the final energy solution,” he said.

The Esperance Energy Transition Plan provides financial assistance for like-for-like replacement, guidance from energy efficiency experts, connection with local tradespeople, and dedicated phone and email support.

Households can apply for funding to cover like-for-like energy efficient electric appliances to replace existing gas units, or conversion to bottled gas where electrification is not an option. While businesses are receiving free independent energy audits, with a grant scheme providing financial support for their chosen transition pathway.

“Customers are telling us that the process is simple and straight-forward, and the level of support they have received from Horizon Power is excellent,” Mr Revere said.

“We are encouraging residential customers to progress their applications as soon as possible to avoid the end of year rush, and especially given strong demand for trades in the Goldfields-Esperance region and global supply chain issues,” he said.

Applications for the Energy Transition Plan for residential customers are open until December this year.

The State Government has committed $10.5 million in the 2022-23 State Budget to ensure impacted households and businesses are supported through the transition and have continued access to reliable and secure energy.

For more information about the Esperance Energy Transition Plan, visit the Customer Hub at https://www.horizonpower.com.au/energypackage