The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment
The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Around 13,500 more households across New South Wales will benefit from bill busting upgrades like rooftop solar, reverse cycle air-conditioning, LED lights, ceiling fans and electric hot water systems, with $145.3 million to upgrade the state's social housing properties.
The Albanese Labor Government is working with NSW to ensure social housing tenants can bring their energy bills down for good, reduce their energy use and cut emissions.
This is lasting cost of living relief ensuring some of the most vulnerable households are better insulated from bill shock, with homes that stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
It's part of the Albanese Government's $500 million expansion of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) to deliver real savings to those most at risk of energy hardship but with the least ability to undertake household energy upgrades.
Today's announcement builds on the previous joint $175 million investment to fund SHEPI upgrades in 24,000 households in NSW, of which 2,000 have already been completed.
The national program will enable more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia - almost 25 percent of the nation's social housing stock - to save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Household energy upgrades could save tenants around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"This funding delivers on the Albanese Labor Government's ongoing commitment to bring lasting cost-of-living relief to those who need it most by bringing energy bills down for good.
"While Peter Dutton's Coalition champions a $600 billion nuclear scheme that will make energy bills more expensive, risks blackouts and shrinks our economy, Labor is already delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
"Every Australian deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.
"After the recent hot weather and knowing the challenge of winter is ahead, we're reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lowering bills to some of the most vulnerable households."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe:
"There are 24,000 households in NSW already benefiting from this program, and NSW welcomes the announcement that another 13,500 will be upgraded.
"The additional funding will allow us to accelerate our progress and expand our reach, to deliver more benefits for the community and the environment."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:
"Social housing tenants deserve homes that are affordable to run and comfortable year-round. These upgrades mean lower bills, better living conditions and real cost-of-living relief.
"No one should have to choose between heating, cooling and putting food on the table. By making social housing more energy efficient, we're cutting costs, improving comfort, and supporting tenants who need it most."
