Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources
Colin Brooks MP, Victorian Minister for Housing
Sen Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
More Victorians will benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy, with a $108 million package for apartment residents and social housing tenants.
The Albanese Government is matching the Andrews Government’s investment of $46 million to expand the Victorian Energy Efficiency in Social Housing program to a total of $92 million, reducing energy bills for residents and ensuring they can keep their homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
The joint partnership will help electrify and modernise public housing, which could include reverse-cycle air conditioning, hot water heat pumps, electric cook tops and solar PV.
It will operate through the Victorian Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program, with the Commonwealth funding provided from the $1.7 billion Energy Savings Package in this year’s Federal Budget.
Apartment residents will also benefit from the Albanese-Andrews Government deal, with a $16 million agreement ($8 million each) to deliver thousands of rooftop solar installations.
The matched funding will help the residents of up to 5,000 Victorian apartments reap the benefits of cleaner, cheaper energy. Many of these households are currently locked out of rooftop solar due to the costs and complexities of installing it on apartment buildings.
The program will provide grants of up to $2,800 per apartment – or up to $140,000 total for each apartment building – for rooftop systems.
The apartment upgrades form part of the Commonwealth’s Community Solar Banks program, which will deliver solar and clean energy technologies for families across the country.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“All Australians should be able to harness the opportunities of renewables – the cheapest form of energy.
“The Albanese and Andrews Governments are making necessary investments to ensure Victorians living in social housing and apartments can access solar and energy efficiency upgrades, putting downward pressure on power bills and reducing emissions.
“The Commonwealth Government has also announced around 1.3 million households across Victoria will be eligible for energy bill rebates, on average saving around $500 on their energy bills.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio:
“Electrification and efficiency upgrades are helping households take back control over their energy bills and slash their emissions at the same time – we welcome this additional funding to help more Victorians access this valuable program.”
“We know energy prices are putting pressure on households bills and by helping 5,000 more apartments share in the benefits of solar power, will ensure more Victorians can save on their energy bills no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Housing Colin Brooks:
“We’re ensuring our most vulnerable Victorians have access to cost saving energy efficiency upgrades for their homes, helping to improve comfort and slash their energy bills.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister:
“We want all Australians to be able to access the benefits that come from energy performance upgrades, no matter where you live or how much you earn.
“Upgrading the energy efficiency of social housing properties will mean residents can save money and have more comfortable homes. This investment will see homes upgraded with technology like efficient air conditions, hot water heating, lighting and double glazing.
“After a decade of inaction on electrification and energy efficiency from the former Coalition Government, we are determined to make every watt count.”
