Supporting Solstice Energy customers

Solstice Energy is closing its compressed natural gas (CNG) network in 10 regional towns in 2026. If you are impacted by the network closing, you have 2 options:

1. upgrade to electric appliances with Victorian government rebates and discounts that can help
2. Solstice Energy can fully fund the conversion or replacement of like-for-like appliances to run on bottled gas (LPG). This means there is no cost to you.

Need to talk to someone?

We can help answer your questions and provide one-on-one guidance:

Email DEECA: solstice.support@deeca.vic.gov.au

First Peoples Solstice Energy customers can also contact DEECA’s First Peoples’ Energy team: firstpeoplesenergy@deeca.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1800 413 137 Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the Access Hub.

Note: DEECA is not affiliated with Solstice Energy. Please direct any questions about payments, timing or other concerns to Solstice Energy.

Impacted towns and what you need to do by when

Solstice Energy has confirmed the timing of conversions for each town with its customers. They have provided detailed information about what will happen and what you need to do during these stages:

1. Customer election period: A 4-week period to make your conversion choice, if you haven’t already. You can self-manage your upgrade to electric appliances or conversion to bottled gas (LPG) OR Solstice Energy can support you to convert to LPG at no cost to you.
2. Conversion period: A 5-month (20-week) period when Solstice Energy supported conversions to LPG will be carried out.
   Note: For customers electing to ‘self-manage’ their conversion, this can be done at any time prior to the end of the conversion period for your town.
   All conversions, whether self-managed or supported by Solstice Energy, must be completed before the conversion period for your town ends.
3. CNG network decommission: Solstice Energy will decommission the network after the conversion period has closed.

Visits to your area

Look out for information from Solstice Energy about their drop-in sessions. These sessions can help you understand what you need to do and decide between converting to LPG or upgrading to electric appliances.

We ran drop-in sessions in each town throughout November and December 2025 and January to March 2026. Our 2026 sessions were advertised in local newspapers and shared via social media, local councils and community groups.

The City of Greater Bendigo has also run drop-in sessions for customers in Heathcote and Marong (the last session is on 19 March). For more information, visit: Support for Solstice customers.

If you want to upgrade electric appliances

If you choose to upgrade to electric appliances, you must confirm your decision with Solstice Energy during your town's customer election period for your town and complete your upgrades before the end of the conversion period.

Upgrade your existing appliances through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program

Through the VEU program you can receive discounts or rebates on equipment and appliances that help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This will help cover part of the purchase and installation costs.

Under the scheme, you can receive discounts and rebates for upgrading to these electric appliances:

• gas hot water heater to an energy-efficient electric heat pump
• gas room heater to an electric reverse cycle air conditioner
• gas central heating to an electric ducted reverse cycle system
• gas cooktop to an induction cooktop.

Go to the VEU’s latest discounts and rebates for more information, or find accredited providers supporting households in your town.

Install an energy efficient hot water system and rooftop solar through the Solar Homes Program

The Victorian Government has also eased eligibility criteria for Solstice Energy customers to access Solar Homes Program rebates for energy efficient hot water and rooftop solar systems.

Please note: Residents who apply for a hot water rebate can also receive a top up of $600 if they do not meet eligibility requirements for a hot water discount under the VEU program.

For information, visit Solar Victoria at Supporting Solstice Energy customers to go electric.

Estimated costs, rebates, and potential savings

The below information includes estimated costs, rebates, and potential savings if you want to upgrade to electric appliances.

Gas hot water heater to an energy-efficient electric heat pump

Initial cost: $4,000–$5,000:

• less a rebate/discount of up to $2,030 if you buy and install a locally made hot water system, or
• up to $1,630 if you choose another system
• plus Solstice Energy will pay you $300 if you have gas hot water heater (instant); $300 if you have gas boosted solar hot water heater (instant); or $600 if you have a gas hot water (storage).

Gas room heater to electric reverse cycle unit

Initial cost: $2,400–$5,000:

• less a rebate/discount of up to $1,610 when you replace a gas heater
• plus Solstice will pay you $400.

Gas central heating to electric ducted reverse cycle system

Initial cost: $10,700–$16,000:

• less a rebate/discount of up to $5,530 when you replace a gas ducted heater
• plus Solstice will pay you $600.

Gas cooktop to induction cooktop

Initial cost: $2,300–$3,000:

• less a rebate/discount of up to $140 to replace an existing gas cooktop
• plus Solstice will pay you $250.

Please note:

• Eligible Solstice Energy customers will receive $1,000 per premises to convert to electric appliances. This is in addition to the rebates/discounts shown in the table above.
• Solstice Energy will only manage a conversion if you decide to move to bottled gas (LPG).
• Savings amounts are indicative only and don’t consider your specific circumstances. You may have agreements with energy retailers and tariffs that impact these amounts.

If you want to convert to bottled gas (LPG)

You can also choose to convert your appliances and gas supply to LPG bottled gas. There are two ways you can do this:

1. With support from Solstice Energy – they will fully cover the cost of converting your appliances and all associated plumbing costs. If your appliances can’t be converted to LPG, Solstice Energy will work with you to provide a like-for-like new model at no cost to you.
2. By managing the conversion yourself – Solstice Energy will contribute a fixed payment to help cover your costs.

You must finalise your decision with Solstice Energy within the customer election period for your town.

For more information, check the information Solstice Energy has sent you and visit their website at Helping you switch to cheaper energy.

How to safely convert your gas supply

• Never attempt to convert a gas supply from one fuel source to another by yourself (e.g. natural gas to LP gas). It can damage or destroy your gas appliances, cause a fire or even cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Converting a gas appliance from one fuel source to another must be done by a qualified gasfitter with a specialised class of gasfitting (type A appliance conversion).
• Upon completion of work make sure you obtain a copy of the Compliance Certificate. A compliance certificate certifies that the work complies with prescribed plumbing standards.
• Connection of LP gas cylinders to indoor gas appliances must be done by a qualified gasfitter.

What can happen

• A natural gas appliance operating on LP gas will produce a larger flame with yellow tipping resulting in overheating. Overheating can damage or destroy your gas appliance.
• Changing the gas supply source can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• This includes space and ducted heaters, cookers or water heaters.

Don’t bring outdoor appliances or LP Gas cylinders indoors

• You should never use gas appliances designed for outdoor use inside your home or anywhere indoors. Gas appliances such as barbecues, patio heaters, water heaters and decorative appliances marked for outdoor use are only to be used outdoors. These appliances do not have flues and because they are designed only for outdoor use will emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into living spaces.
• Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas and it can be fatal or cause serious and long-term health conditions.
• Always follow health and safety instructions provided with a gas appliance and operate them only as intended by the manufacturer.
• Do not bring LP gas cylinders indoors.

Find out more

• Energy Safe Victoria
• Information about CO poisoning
• Information on qualified gasfitters

Sign up to our mailing list

We will be sending updates about:

• rebates, discounts and other support the Victorian government can offer you
• important actions you need to take before the Solstice Energy CNG network shuts down in your town.

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Frequently asked questions

If you are a Solstice Energy customer, please refer to detailed FAQs on the Solstice Energy website.

Page last updated: 13/03/26