A $116 million joint investment from the Federal and Queensland governments will see energy performance upgrades for tenants in Queensland social housing, aimed at lowering the cost of energy bills and easing the cost of living.
The initiative is expected to deliver a raft of upgrades, including thermal shell improvements, air cooling solutions and ceiling fans, in addition to solar PV, energy-efficient hot water systems, and fixed appliance upgrades.
The Queensland Government said that the funding will ensure residents in social housing can expect lower energy bills while keeping their homes warmer in winter and cooler in the Queensland summer.
The funding is expected to provide upgrades to approximately 28,000 public housing dwellings and 4,000 community housing dwellings, to support Queensland’s clean energy transformation and reduce the cost of living.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that every Queenslander deserves to live in a home that is safe, comfortable and affordable to manage.
“This initiative will help further bring down power bills for vulnerable households by making their homes more energy efficient and with growing cost of living pressures,” Mr Miles said.
“Queenslanders are already receiving $1,000 off their power bills, and this joint funding means more than 32,000 Queensland households in social and community homes will save even more.”
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that working with the Queensland Government to deliver better energy performance in social housing means warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer and cheaper bills year-round.
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said that social housing tenants are least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades and yet most affected by energy costs.
“The Federal Government wants to make sure everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their homes.”
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick De Brenni, said, “The Queensland Government is leading the clean energy revolution by providing funding to ensure the most vulnerable Queenslanders can reduce their energy consumption, saving money and the environment.”
Queensland Minister for Housing, Meaghan Scanlon, said, “We’re doing what matters for Queensland when it comes to building more homes, and helping Queenslanders save on their power bills.”
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