A newly announced household electrification program will reduce energy bills for low-income households in NSW, a move aimed at addressing the climate crisis.
Over 24,000 social housing tenants will receive grants for upgrades such as solar PV, hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, insulation, and draught-proofing.
The NSW and Australian governments will jointly fund grants totalling $175 million over four years.
“We are delighted that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have taken up our policy to provide grants to electrify social housing properties,” Rewiring Australia Director Dan Cass said.
Cass stated that household electrification is a cost-effective and efficient method for reducing emissions and lowering energy bills, thereby significantly reducing the cost of living.
“Targeting social homes is necessary to ensure everyone benefits from the bounty of renewable energy regardless of their income,” he added.
The Federal Government is assisting apartment residents in accessing cheaper solar energy through subsidies for rooftop solar installations and grants for purchasing solar shares.
“This is important because 21.7% of dwellings in NSW are apartments and people who live there can’t simply install a solar system on their roof like people in a separate house,” Cass said.
“As the climate emergency and cost of living crisis worsen, governments will need to invest big in electrification policies like this, to slash bills and emissions at the same time.”
