Victoria, Australia – June 2026
Even the rain couldn’t stop Greater Dandenong residents from turning out to learn how to lower their energy bills.
Last week, more than a hundred local residents, community leaders and businesses attended the Smart Energy Council’s Lower Power Bills Expo at Springvale City Hall, demonstrating the growing appetite for practical solutions that help reduce household costs through electrification.
Delivered in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong and supported by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the free community event brought together trusted experts, local organisations and industry leaders to showcase real-world ways households can reduce their power bills while improving comfort, resilience and energy independence.
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect communities across Victoria, the event focused on practical solutions that people can implement today, including rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, induction cooking, efficient heating and cooling, and heat pump hot water systems.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive Officer David McElrea said the event demonstrated the strong community interest in understanding how electrification can help address rising household costs.
“Victorians are looking for practical ways to reduce their energy bills and take control of their energy future,” Mr McElrea said.
“What we saw in Greater Dandenong was a community eager to learn more about the technologies and programs that can help households save money, reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels and improve the comfort of their homes.”
“The solutions are available today. Whether it’s solar, batteries, electric heating and cooling, induction cooking or electric vehicles, every step towards electrification can help reduce household energy costs.”
The evening featured presentations from a range of industry experts and organisations working at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition.
Presenters included:
- Will Anstee, Housing Partnerships Manager, Allume Energy
- Guy Pritchard, Solar Victoria
- Bryn Foletta, Director, Solar Gain
- Omi Koulas, State Electricity Commission
- Lex Lynch, Footy for Climate
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and experts throughout the evening, asking questions about government rebates, solar and battery installations, home electrification, electric vehicles and energy efficiency upgrades.
One lucky attendee also took home a free induction cooktop as part of a community giveaway designed to encourage households to begin their electrification journey.
Smart Energy Council General Manager – Media and Communications, Tim Lamacraft, who hosted the event, said the success of the expo reflected the community’s desire for practical information rather than complex energy policy discussions.
“We couldn’t have picked a better time to be talking with Melbourne communities about lowering energy bills through electrification,” Mr Lamacraft said.
“When cost of living and energy bills are front of mind for so many households, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to showcase practical solutions that can make homes, businesses, sporting clubs and places of worship more energy efficient, comfortable and affordable to run.”
“Everyone who attended was at a different stage of their electrification journey, but one thing became very clear: the further down that path you travel, the more you save.”
The Smart Energy Council thanked the City of Greater Dandenong and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for their support in delivering the event, along with participating organisations including Allume Energy, Solar Gain, State Electricity Commission, æther Australia, Renew, Third Ecology, All Electric Homes, Footy for Climate, Goodbye Gas, Electrifying Australia and Capricorn Power.
The Council also acknowledged the Smart Energy Council team on the ground who helped deliver the event, including Tim Lamacraft (General Manager – Media & Communications), Robert Potter (Head of Advocacy & Policy), Catherine Giannoukos (Events Director), Keely Yang (Events Manager) and Ivan Chelvathurai (Business Development Executive).
The Lower Power Bills Expo program continues across Victoria, helping communities connect with trusted information, practical advice and proven technologies that can reduce energy bills and lower the cost of living.
The next Lower Power Bills Expo will be held in
City of Melton — July 16, 2026
- Time: 4:30 to 7:00pm,
- Location: Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton 3337
-ENDS-
About the Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy for all Australians.
Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
