The Victorian Energy Upgrades program has introduced rebates for people looking to switch from gas cooktops to induction cooktops.

We set out everything you need to know below, including:

  • how the rebates work
  • units that are eligible for rebates
  • how much you can save
  • a guide on how much the switch will cost

 

How Induction Cooktop Rebates Work

 

Rebates are available to people that replace their gas cooktop with an induction cooktop. The VEU requires the following:

  1. You need to buy an approved product after the 25 October (more information below)
  2. The cooktop must be at least $200 (I haven’t seen any for less)
  3. Your home must have a gas (or LPG) connection – you’ll need to submit a gas bill that is no more than 3 months old
  4. Your house is more than 2 years old
  5. You need a receipt of your purchased induction cooktop

There are two ways to claim the rebate:

  1. Point of sale discount – purchase the unit through an approved retailer (I’m not aware of any)
  2. Discounted installation – engage the likes of Powrhouse to arrange installation. You buy the induction cooktop, we install it and claim the rebate on your behalf

Powrhouse’s service is comprehensive. We cover everything and make it easy for our customers. We will organise a plumber to attend to cap off the gas cooktop, electrician to wire in the new induction cooktop and we then claim the rebates on your behalf. We offer an upfront discount on the value of the rebates. For example, if all this costs $1,200, we charge you $1,000 (assuming rebates of $200).

 

What units are eligible?

 

You need to buy an induction cooktop that is approved under the VEU. Pleasingly, there are currently 392 approved induction cooktops approved. Click here to search your model (scroll down and select “46 – Induction Cooktops” then Approved, then click Search). You can filter by specific models or brands, or if you know the model you want, input it in the “Model” field, click enter and see if it comes up.

 

 

 

How much are the rebates worth?

 

Rebates for induction cooktops are worth 2 VEECs. We typically pass on VEECs at around $100 each, but they are a financial instrument and their value fluctuates day-to-day. At $200, the value of the rebates is not enormous, but if you’re planning on installing an induction cooktop, it’s our view that you might as well claim them.

 

How much does it all cost?

 

Our comprehensive induction cooktop service typically costs $1,000 to $1,500 inc GST. The main variables in assessing the cost are the condition of your switchboard, the distance of the electrical run from the cooktop to the switchboard and whether your new unit will fit in the template of the old gas cooktop. Costs might increase for all-in-one units which have an induction cooktop and oven combined. The prices above do not include the cost of the new unit.

 

Will the new unit fit?

 

A potential “spanner in the works” is whether the new induction unit will fit in the template of the old gas cooktop. It’s a lot easier if we choose a model which fits, rather than having to enlarge the template. We can of course accommodate if the template needs to be enlarged, but costs will increase and we won’t be able to help if your bench top is made of engineered stone.

 

What’s next?

 

If you are considering switching to induction cooking, please get in touch. We’ll ask for photos of your switchboard, current unit, address and a floorplan to work out the electrical run. We then provide a fixed quote net of rebates. If you’re keen to proceed, we can usually arrange installation within 2 weeks.

 

 

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