Public housing tenants and low-income renters and owner occupiers have reported improvements to wellbeing, comfort, climate resilience and energy costs in an evaluation report, released today, on the ACT Government's Home Energy Support Scheme.
The ACT Government's Home Energy Support Scheme started in March 2022, providing a range of rebates and support for lower-income tenants and homeowners on the pathway to electrification.
This program is part of the ACT Government's commitment in 2020 to implement a 5-year $50 million program to improve energy efficiency and sustainability for community and public housing, low-income owner occupiers and the lowest energy efficiency performing rental properties.
The Home Energy Support Scheme evaluation reports are available on the Everyday Climate Choices website.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"Electrification and energy efficiency improvements are a key part of the ACT Government's plan to take climate action and become a net zero city by 2045.
"We know that energy efficient, all-electric homes are cheaper to run and will save Canberrans hundreds every year on their home energy bills. Homes that are energy efficient and well-insulated also help protect Canberrans from increasing extreme weather events.
"Participants in the Home Energy Support Scheme that live in an average stand-alone household can expect to save over $1000 per year if they electrify their water, heating, and cooking appliances. They can save even more by installing ceiling insulation.
"This new research shows that ACT Government programs are helping to unlock these benefits for those who either do not have the upfront capital to pay for upgrades, or who lease their property through a community or public housing provider."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury:
"We want everyone to have a comfortable home that is affordable to heat and cool.
"Low-income households spend a relatively high amount of their income on energy and feel the brunt of rising energy prices more than most.
"It is important that we support Canberrans most in need to transition their homes, so we can make sure all Canberrans experience the benefits of the energy transition.
"We're hearing great feedback from participants that they are saving money and feeling more comfortable in their homes and are protected from extreme temperatures.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry:
"Public and community housing tenants, like all Canberrans, deserve to live in homes that are comfortable and affordable to run all year round.
"The ACT Government has delivered electrification and insulation upgrades for 172 community housing properties.
"Insulation upgrades for more than 1,350 Housing ACT Housing properties and electric appliance replacements to over 490 homes.
"These upgrades revitalise our existing public housing stock and ensure we can provide high quality homes for all tenants."
Quotes attributable to Ada, a participant of the Home Energy Support Scheme – Community Housing Program:
"Last winter I spent most days confined to one small room of my house with a newborn, as it was simply too expensive to heat the main living areas. This winter I was able to play with my son in the living room without worrying about breaking the bank.
"My energy bills this winter are 35% of what they were last winter (from $1,100 to less than $400), and the house has been considerably warmer throughout."
Quotes attributable to Josh Vaughan, Director – Mission, Communications, Fundraising & Partnerships, Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:
"Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn are pleased to have been recipients of energy upgrades across 13 properties housing diverse and vulnerable Canberrans, including the installation of insulation and replacing gas appliances with electric appliances.
"As a Community Housing Provider with the interests of meeting community need at the heart of everything we do, this has helped to make our homes the most comfortable environments possible; has further tailored our homes to the individual health and accessibility needs of tenants and has reduced energy costs."
