Over 30,000 social housing properties in New South Wales (NSW) will receive energy efficiency upgrades.
$206 million will be jointly invested by the Australian Government and NSW Government into energy saving upgrades for low-income renters and apartment residents.
This includes both governments matching funds of $87.5 million each ($175 million in total) over four years to make homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Over 24,000 social housing properties will be eligible for upgrades, including heat pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, solar systems, insulation and draught proofing.
Some social housing properties are among the least energy-efficient homes in Australia, lacking basic insulation and modern applications. Increasing a house from a 1-star energy efficiency rating to a 3-star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30% and decrease household power bills.
Priority will be given to the least energy-efficient properties by minimum construction standards, as well as locations that experience extreme heat and cold weather conditions.
The Australian Government is also investing $30 million to fund rooftop solar installations and ‘solar garden’ community energy plots for low-income households and apartment residents.
More than 10,000 households will be able to access the Solar Banks program, which could save households up to $600 a year on their energy bills. This program will deliver rebates valued up to 50% of the cost for households and multi-unit dwellings to install rooftop solar systems.
Low-income households, apartment residents and renters who can’t install rooftop solar will be eligible for a subsidy to purchase an offsite ‘solar garden’ portion at a large-scale solar farm.
The Australian Government will invest a further $1 million into community renewable energy projects on the Far South Coast. The funding will go to local projects that create local jobs and deliver cleaner, cheaper energy to communities.
These initiatives come as the Australian Government and NSW Government distribute $500 electricity bill rebates to 1.6 million eligible households.
