The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring thousands of social housing tenants benefit from reduced power bills thanks to improved energy efficiency of social housing properties.

Delivered under the most recent Budget, the Social Housing Energy Efficiency Program will support a range of cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades for 35,000 public, community and Aboriginal housing properties and install reverse cycle air conditioning in the north and west of the state where they are needed most.

Air conditioning will be installed in up to 2,000 properties in the Mildura, Swan Hill, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira and Greater Shepparton local government areas, along with draught sealing and ceiling insulation where required. With work already underway, around 500 of the air conditioning units will be installed by the end of June 2021.

Homes receiving energy efficiency upgrades will be prioritised based on a combination of factors, including the existing condition of the home, opportunities for appliance replacement, renter circumstances and susceptibility to temperature extremes.

The $112 million Social Housing Energy Efficiency Program is part of the Labor Government’s $797 million investment helping Victorians cover the cost of their power bills and make homes more energy efficient. As the largest household energy efficiency program in any state’s history, the package will create thousands of jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This program is in addition to the Government’s work to ensure more Victorians have the security and stability of a home, with Victoria’s – and Australia’s – biggest ever investment in public and community housing.

The $5.3 billion Big Housing Build will see more than 12,000 new homes constructed throughout metro and regional Victoria, supporting around 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.

All new Big Housing Build homes will meet 7-star energy efficiency standards, making them more comfortable during summer and winter, and saving tenants on their power bills.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne

“We’re ensuring social housing properties are cooler in summer and warmer in winter, helping to protect the health of local residents.”

“We know that energy costs are affecting Victorians, especially our most vulnerable – these upgrades will reduce costs for residents while making their homes more comfortable year-round.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re helping those struggling to pay their bills and making homes across the state more energy efficient.”

“Our energy efficiency measures are helping Victorians – from vulnerable households to big businesses – all while delivering a fairer energy sector that is kinder to our environment.”