Joint media release: Cutting power bills for more social housing tenants

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Josh Wilson MP

More than 100,000 social homes will be able to save about $1,800 on their energy bills each year, following the expansion of a highly successful energy upgrade program delivered by state and Commonwealth governments.

With a $500 million expansion, the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is now expected to reach more than 100,000 social housing properties, which is almost 25 per cent of Australia’s social housing stock.

The SHEPI program provides upgrades such as insulation, electrification and solar installations for eligible households. These upgrades reduce tenant energy usage with a potential ongoing average bill saving of around $1,800 per year.

This is lasting cost of living relief by ensuring some of the most vulnerable households are better insulated from bill shock, with homes that are fitted out to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

This expansion brings the total Commonwealth funding for the initiative to $800 million.

SHEPI delivers benefits to Australians most at risk of energy hardship and with the least ability to undertake energy performance upgrades to their homes.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“Upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about cost of living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions.

“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter locks in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:

“The Albanese Government is making a real difference right now for social housing tenants, who are among the least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades, and yet most affected by energy costs.”

"Across the nation, the SHEPI is providing crucial upgrades to social housing stock which is reducing energy bills, keeping homes more liveable year-round, and lowering emissions.

“The cheapest form of energy is that which you don’t use in the first place – the SHEPI program is a prime example of the Albanese Government making a positive difference right now while building the foundation for a better future.”