The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) welcomes the consideration of new suburb-wide electrification accelerator projects following a deal between federal government and crossbench senators David Pocock, David Van, Jacqui Lambie and Lidia Thorpe.
Under the agreement, Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has exercised special ministerial referral powers to direct ARENA to consider funding for electrification projects, potentially including thousands of renters in lower socio-economic areas.
"This initiative could be a game-changer for thousands of low-income renters who struggle with rising energy bills," CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said.
"We strongly encourage ARENA to assess projects that will benefit disadvantaged Australians who might otherwise be left behind by the green energy transition.
"Electrification has the power to reduce household energy costs, improve living standards, and contribute to Australia's emissions reduction goals. We commend the government and crossbench senators for recognising that in this deal today."
Ms Hayhurst said it was essential that community housing renters should be included in the projects.
"Many residents live in older, inefficient homes with high energy costs. By integrating solutions such as solar panels, battery storage, vehicle-to-grid technology, and shared community energy storage, this initiative can directly benefit community housing tenants, helping them save on energy bills while transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
"We look forward to working closely with the government, ARENA, and industry partners to support the successful rollout of these projects."
