2024-04-22
Approximately 585 public and 70 community housing properties have received ceiling insulation upgrades through Phase 1 of the Home Energy Support Scheme.
An additional 280 electric appliance upgrades were also completed in these homes under Phase 1 to reduce energy bills for residents and deliver upgrades to keep their homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The upgrades are part of the ACT Government’s $35.2 million Home Energy Support: Public Housing Program in partnership with the Australian Government to install ceiling insulation and complete additional electrification upgrades in public and community housing.
Phase 2 of the Program commenced in March 2024, with up to 5,000 Housing ACT homes and approximately 200 community housing properties expected to benefit from ceiling insulation installation and electric appliance upgrades. By moving from gas to electric appliances, households can save up to $300 per year on gas connection fees.
Ceiling insulation will be in installed in approximately 670 public housing properties between March 2024 and 30 June 2024.
These upgrades will provide tangible benefits to public housing tenants and will ensure all homes are brought up to the new ceiling insulation minimum standard by November 2026.
The Program will also include further gas to electric appliance upgrades for more public and community housing properties thanks to an Australian Government contribution of $7.2 million. This includes hot water systems, cooktops and reverse cycle air conditioning.
This initiative progresses the commitment to ensure a just energy transition for low-income households under the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly.
For more information visit Canberra’s electrification: a just transition - Climate Choices (act.gov.au)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury:
This program delivers energy bill savings and improved comfort for residents, while helping to cut emissions by improving efficiency and switching households off gas.
This is an important part of our work to ensure a just transition that supports those who most need assistance and shows that climate solutions can also help to address the cost-of-living crisis.
*The original ACT government media release has been edited to remove quotes from ACT Labor Ministers at their request