Energy upgrades to help poorer tenants, renters in NSW

Low-income and apartment residents will be able to save up to $600 a year through solar banks.

More than 30,000 social housing tenants and renters in NSW will share in over $200 million in energy upgrades that should slash power bills and make their homes healthier to live in.

Poorly insulated older homes and locations where households experience extreme heat and cold will be a priority in the energy upgrades announced by the federal and NSW governments on Tuesday.

“We want all Australians to have access to cleaner, cheaper energy,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“Renewable energy for social housing helps power bills and is good for the environment.”

Over 24,000 public housing and community dwellings will be eligible for heat pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, solar energy systems, insulation and draught proofing.

More than 10,000 households – low-income households and apartment residents – will be able to save up to $600 a year through a solar banks program to keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Premier Chris Minns said the partnership with the federal government would 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,” he said.

“We are investing to save people money while also getting NSW’s energy transition back on track,” he said.

Upgrading an average house from a 1-star rating to a 3-star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent.

“The solar banks program will support over 10,000 apartment dwellers and renters who have traditionally been locked out of owning solar,” NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.

Some $1 million will be spent on community renewable energy projects on the far south coast.

“By partnering with the Commonwealth, we will be able to roll out a series of vital upgrades and initiatives that will deliver bill savings for low-income earners, make homes more comfortable to live in and reduce carbon emissions,” she said.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the package would help those who cannot currently access energy upgrades and solar power to reap the rewards of the clean energy transformation.

The scheme comes on top of an energy price relief plan that cuts $500 from the bills of 1.6 million NSW households.