The Framework outlines a shared commitment to advancing energy equity
Key points:
- The Wollongong Energy Equity Framework establishes four guiding principles to support fair and inclusive access to clean energy
- The framework is underpinned by assessments that found 18 per cent of households are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, energy hardship
- Identified barriers included the complexity and high upfront costs for solar, batteries, and energy efficient appliances, and limited control over housing upgrades for renters and people living in strata
- The voluntary signatory model will guide a strategic approach for stakeholders including government, service providers, community organisations, and residents
Wollongong City Council has adopted a plan to ensure the entire community can be part of the clean energy transition, with a new framework aiming to improve access to reliable and affordable clean energy for all households.
The Wollongong Energy Equity Framework (the Framework) establishes four guiding principles to support fair and inclusive access to clean energy, with research showing that many lower income households and renters aren’t currently able to access all benefits and incentives available.
Recognising that providing equitable access to clean energy is a shared responsibility, the Framework will guide a strategic approach for stakeholders including government, service providers, community organisations, and residents.
Through a voluntary signatory model, the Framework enables organisations to demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing energy equity across the region through collaboration, program design, energy literacy and education, and advocacy.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it’s vitally important that all residents can benefit from affordable clean energy.
“As a Council we’ve long been committed to the clean energy transition and a major part of that commitment is ensuring our whole community can benefit from it,” Cr Brown said.
“Clean energy technologies are developing rapidly and there are so many opportunities for Wollongong to lead that innovation. It’s something we will continue to support, but it’s important that access to reliable clean energy isn’t just a luxury for some.
“Through analysis of data and in talking with our community, it’s clear that there are gaps when it comes to affordability and clean energy awareness for lower income households, renters and people living in strata-managed housing.
“As a local government leader in this space, we play an essential role in responding to that and advocating for our community. At a time when cost of living pressures are being felt across the board, we need to do more to ensure access to affordable and reliable clean energy is fair and equitable.
“It needs to be a collaborative effort from all levels of government and service providers, and this framework provides a collective road map to support a fair and inclusive clean energy transition.”
The adopted framework is underpinned by the findings of an Energy Equity Assessment carried out by Council in 2025, which found 18 per cent of households are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, energy hardship.
Consistent with national trends, the assessment found that energy inequity disproportionately affects low-income households, renters (approximately 23 per cent of households), social housing tenants and people living in apartments.
Identified barriers included the complexity and high upfront costs for solar, batteries, and energy efficient appliances, limited control over housing upgrades for renters and people living in strata, limited access to digital resources, and low energy literacy and awareness.
Development of the Framework focused on engagement with community organisations, and government and industry stakeholders to better understand opportunities for collaboration, identify priorities for action, and inform a coordinated regional response.
Stakeholder feedback – including from Council staff delivering the Community Renewables Program – highlighted broad support for a coordinated and collaborative approach to improving energy equity outcomes and directly informed the development of the Framework.
Following Council adoption, participating stakeholders will be invited to become signatories to the Framework, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing energy equity outcomes across the Wollongong region.
