The Federal and New South Wales Governments are partnering with 22 Community Housing providers to upgrade thousands of social housing homes to make them cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and better for the environment.
These upgrades are designed to deliver lasting cost of living relief, while making renewable and smart energy features more accessible.
More than 2300 homes will be upgraded with nearly $18 million in joint funding from the Federal and New South Wales Governments, as well as Community Housing Providers.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about lasting cost-of-living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions.
“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter lock in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes,” he said.
The upgrades will include a range of potential measures, such as rooftop solar panels and shared solar system, reverse cycle air conditioning, energy-efficient hot water systems, ceiling insulation, window shading and draught proofing, as well as LED lighting and ceiling fans.
The Federal Government said that Australia has some of the coldest and least energy-efficient homes in the developed world. People in social housing often feel this the most. These upgrades will help keep homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and make them cheaper to run.
All works are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said that thousands of community housing residents will benefit from lower bills, more comfortable homes and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to these upgrades.
“Partnering with the Albanese Government means renewable energy and smart features are accessible to everyone in New South Wales,” she said.
This funding is part of a $175 million program jointly delivered by the Federal and New South Wales Governments to upgrade around 24,000 social housing homes by mid-2027. In its first year, more than 2000 homes have already received upgrades.
This is on top of the New South Wales Government’s investment in housing through the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said, “These renewable and smart energy upgrades will bring welcome energy bill relief for community housing residents, improve the liveability of their homes, and enable broader participation in the emissions reduction task as our country accelerates the clean energy transition.”
New South Wales Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, said this is direct action to help people who need it most.
“We are upgrading homes so they cost less to run, are more comfortable to live in, and help tackle climate change,” she said.
“People in social housing deserve homes that are safe, liveable and energy-efficient. These upgrades are about cutting bills, cutting emissions, and delivering a better quality of life.”
For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-housing-energy-performance-grant
