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.
As stated by 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.
As stated by 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."
As stated by 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."
*As stated by Labor Ministers have been removed from the original ACT Government media release at their request.
