The Federal and NSW Governments have announced a $200 million joint funding package to help support energy saving upgrades for social housing and low income rentals in the hottest and coldest parts of New South Wales.
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Around 30,000 household will be eligible to receive support to upgrade heat pumps, fans, air conditioning and solar systems, while more than 24,000 social housing tenants will receive grants for upgrades including rooftop solar, hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, insulation and draught proofing.
News of the funding was welcomed by advocacy groups including Rewiring Australia and the Climate Council.
“We are delighted that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have taken up our policy to provide grants to electrify social housing properties,” Rewiring Australia executive director Dan Cass said.
“Household electrification is the fastest, most cost effective way to reduce emissions—and it also decreases the cost of living by significantly reducing energy bills.
“Targeting social homes is necessary to ensure everyone benefits from the bounty of renewable energy regardless of their income.”
Climate Council head of advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said, “Today’s announcement from the Albanese and Minns governments is the kind of practical climate action that makes a difference for Australians. By helping people in NSW who are doing it tough to upgrade their appliances and access cheap renewable energy, this investment will cut power bills and carbon pollution—a fantastic two-for-one deal.
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“Making our homes more energy efficient and powering them with cheap renewable electricity is an important part of building a clean energy system that works for people, not multinational fossil fuel corporations. Millions of households around Australia are already seeing the benefits, so it’s essential renters, people on tight incomes, and those who live in apartments can share these too.”
