NEARLY half of Victoria's homes would slash energy and water wastage and cut bills under a $2.57 billion proposal backed by an alliance of social welfare and environment groups.
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Calling themselves the One Million Homes Alliance, the collection of 11 groups estimates the average household's energy and water bills could be cut by $296 a year through a basic efficiency drive.
It could lower yearly greenhouse gas emissions by 2.38 million tonnes and save 32.5 billion litres of water a year.
The retrofit program would include installing insulation, energy-saving lightbulbs and dual-flush toilets, sealing cracks in walls and frames and replacing old fridges and freezers.
Priority would be given to the homes of concession card holders, pensioners, the disabled, low-income families and renters.
Environment Victoria chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy said a stand-alone program would cost the state government $514 million a year for five years.
