ACT maps out all-electric future for nation’s capital

Aerial photo showing beautiful nighttime city lights in Canberra (big canberra battery)
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The ACT Government is investing in an all-electric, zero emissions future for Canberra with the release of a new Integrated Energy Plan.

The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) 2024-2030 sets out the next stage of work for the Territoryโ€™s transition to an all-electric city over the next 20 years.

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The ACT Government will electrify all feasible community and public housing properties in the ACT by the end of 2030. This work has already started, and will continue as the government prioritises upgrades to all community and public housing properties, along with continued energy efficiency improvements to properties.

To support lowest income and vulnerable homeowners, a new Community Partnership Electrification Program will also be delivered over two years to cover the up-front costs of energy efficiency upgrades and electrification for approximately 350 low-income households that need it most.

The IEP will also deliver support for apartment residents who may face additional challenges to electrification. A new Retrofit Readiness program will offer free advice and electrification planning for multi-unit buildings such as apartments. The IEP will also deliver strata reform work to identify and resolve regulatory barriers to electrification upgrades in multiunit buildings, helping to reduce barriers for apartment residents.

The IEP will also target training subsidies to priority trades that support the energy transition, and increase subsidies for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Technician. Australiaโ€™s first TAFE Centre of Excellence is also being hosted at the Canberra Institute of Technology in the ACT, and will focus on electric vehicles (EVs).

Related article: Work begins on Big Canberra Battery project

Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said, “Electrification is the cheapest pathway to net zero emissions and delivers the greatest benefits to our community.

“The Integrated Energy Plan sets a clear pathway for our work to phase out fossil gas, electrify our city and ensure a ‘just transition’. It prioritises support for the lowest income Canberrans who most need assistance, and it provides targeted support for apartment residents to make the electrification process smoother.”

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