The Australian and NSW governments are providing $206 million in energy-saving upgrades and solar access to over 30,000 NSW households, aiming to reduce long-term cost-of-living expenses.
“Saving energy means saving money, which is why we’re continuing to deliver cost of living relief for families that need it most without adding to inflation,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“This $206 million package will mean 30,000 households across New South Wales will be able to access upgrades that will make their homes more energy efficient.”
The Commonwealth and State governments are offering matched funding of $87.5 million ($175 million over four years) to help tenants reduce energy bills and maintain cooler summer and warmer winter homes.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the State Government is proud to collaborate with the Federal Government to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to some of the least energy-efficient houses in the country.
“Our number one priority is helping people across NSW with the cost of living, and helping with power bills is a key pillar of that,” Premier Minns stated.
“We are investing to save people money while also getting NSW’s energy transition back on track.”
Over 24,000 homes will be eligible for upgrades such as heat pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, solar systems, insulation, and draught-proofing.
The social housing properties will consist of a blend of NSW Government-owned and managed homes, as well as those managed by community housing providers.
The most energy-efficient properties, often older homes built before minimum standards, and areas experiencing extreme heat and cold will be prioritised.
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said collaborating with the Commonwealth will enable the roll-out of a series of crucial upgrades and initiatives aimed at delivering bill savings for low-income earners, improving home comfort, and reducing carbon emissions.
“The Minns Government is investing in social housing through long overdue energy efficiency upgrades to improve equity in the energy transition,” Minister Sharpe stated.
The Commonwealth Government is also investing $30 million to assist low-income households and apartment residents in utilising renewable energy sources, either through funding rooftop solar installations or accessing a portion of a community energy plot.
- The ‘Solar Banks’ initiative is set to offer rebates of up to 50% on rooftop solar installation costs for multi-unit dwellings.
- Low-income households, apartment residents, and renters who cannot afford onsite rooftop solar will receive a subsidy to purchase an offsite solar garden portion of a large-scale solar farm.
Over 10,000 households will have access to the Solar Banks program, potentially saving up to $600 annually.
An additional $1 million will be invested in community renewable energy projects along the Far South Coast, fulfilling the Australian Government’s election promise. The funds will be allocated to local sustainable energy projects, generating local jobs and providing cleaner, cheaper energy to local communities.
“Critical energy upgrades in social housing properties and strong solar energy incentives for apartment block residents across NSW will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy to more Australians,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“The Albanese Government is helping those who can’t currently access energy upgrades and solar power reap the rewards of the clean energy transformation,” Minister Bowen added.
The initiatives are implemented as joint Commonwealth-NSW energy bill rebates continue to flow.
Up to 1.6 million households are being provided with $500 to help them pay their electricity bills.
