Joint media release: Energy efficiency upgrades cutting energy bills for 3,000 ACT households

The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Yvette Berry MLA, ACT Deputy Chief Minister
Suzanne Orr MLA, ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
The Hon Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner

Three thousand Canberran households are saving on their energy bills and enjoying more comfortable homes following energy performance upgrades delivered to social housing properties by the Albanese and ACT Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) partnership.

The $35.2 million investment funds the ACT Home Energy Support Public and Community Housing Upgrades Program that will improve up to 5,000 public and community housing properties.

The upgrades include work like installing ceiling insulation and swapping out existing gas appliances for efficient electric alternatives.

The program has so far installed more than 250,000 square metres of insulation, more than 700 reverse cycle air conditioners and 1,000 hot water heat pumps to ensure homes are fitted out to stay cool in summer and warm through the cold Canberra winters.

Along with energy upgrades to their home, residents are provided with information and guidance on how to best operate their home as efficiently as possible with the new features.

Nationally, more than 9,500 properties have received energy performance upgrades through SHEPI partnerships, with households saving around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.

Together with contributions from all states and territories, the Albanese Government’s $800 million SHEPI investment will provide up to 100,000 social housing properties across Australia with energy performance upgrades and will run until 2029.

In the ACT, the next SHEPI project will maximise the energy performance of the ACT’s social housing properties through a $12.9 million project to install rooftop solar and batteries that will be connected to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

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

“This milestone shows that we are making a real difference right now for social housing residents, driving down energy bills and making homes more comfortable.

“We are making sure that everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their home, and that no one is left behind.

“The Albanese Government understands and supports the value of improved energy performance and is committed to providing crucial upgrades to social housing tenants as we work towards our goal of net zero.

“Better energy performance means homes that are more liveable, cheaper to run, with much lower emissions, and greater resilience in the face of climate impacts."

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry:

“Every Canberran deserves a home that is safe, secure and affordable. Having a home that is energy efficient, warm in winter and cool in summer is an important part of that.

“Through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, thousands of public homes now have upgraded insulation, reverse cycle air conditioning and efficient electric appliances. This is making a real difference to the wellbeing of individuals and families, not to mention easing cost of living pressure.

“More than 3000 homes have already been improved under the Home Energy Support Program, and between the ACT and Commonwealth Governments’ joint investment of $35 million, we’re on track to upgrade up to 5,000 public and community housing properties.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:

“These upgrades demonstrate how climate action can also deliver direct benefits for people’s everyday lives, cutting energy bills, improving home comfort and reducing emissions all at once.”

“This partnership with the Albanese Government is enabling us to fast-track practical climate solutions which ensure everyone benefits from the energy transition.”

“Our next phase of investment in solar and battery systems will further strengthen energy resilience for tenants, while contributing to a more sustainable, low-emissions energy network for Canberra.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Dr Andrew Leigh:

“If we’re going to electrify everything, it’s vital to ensure that everyone’s plugged in. These upgrades mean lower bills and warmer winters for thousands of Canberrans – proof that climate action doesn’t just help the planet, it helps people.

“As Australia works towards a net zero future powered by renewables, Labor is making sure no one’s left shivering on the sidelines.”