The ACT Government has released an evaluation report that found that the Home Energy Support Scheme has improved thermal comfort and reduced energy costs for program participants.
Beginning in March 2022, the program provides a range of rebates and support for lower-income tenants and homeowners on the pathway to electrification.
The Home Energy Support Scheme is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to implement a five-year $50 million program to improve energy efficiency and sustainability for community and public housing, low-income owner occupiers and the lowest energy efficiency performing rental properties.
The ACT Government said that more than 1,500 public housing properties and 172 community housing properties have received ceiling insulation or electrification upgrades or both.
An external evaluation of the scheme has returned positive feedback, with public housing tenants and low-income renters and owner occupiers reporting improvements to wellbeing, comfort, climate resilience and energy costs.
The ACT Government said that the results highlight how households can unlock the benefits of the energy transition as Canberra moves towards a net zero emissions future.
ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, said that electrification and energy efficiency improvements are a key part of the ACT Government’s plan to take climate action and become a net zero city by 2045.
“We know that energy efficient, all-electric homes are cheaper to run and will save Canberrans hundreds every year on their home energy bills. Homes that are energy efficient and well-insulated also help protect Canberrans from increasing extreme weather events,” Mr Barr said.
“Participants in the Home Energy Support Scheme that live in an average stand-alone household can expect to save over $1000 per year if they electrify their water, heating, and cooking appliances. They can save even more by installing ceiling insulation.
“This new research shows that ACT Government programs are helping to unlock these benefits for those who either do not have the upfront capital to pay for upgrades, or who lease their property through a community or public housing provider.”
ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury, said, “We want everyone to have a comfortable home that is affordable to heat and cool.
“Low-income households spend a relatively high amount of their income on energy and feel the brunt of rising energy prices more than most.
“It is important that we support Canberrans most in need to transition their homes, so we can make sure all Canberrans experience the benefits of the energy transition.
“We’re hearing great feedback from participants that they are saving money and feeling more comfortable in their homes and are protected from extreme temperatures.
ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry, said public and community housing tenants, like all Canberrans, deserve to live in homes that are comfortable and affordable to run all year round.
“The ACT Government has delivered electrification and insulation upgrades for 172 community housing properties, insulation upgrades for more than 1350 Housing ACT Housing properties and electric appliance replacements to over 490 homes.
“These upgrades revitalise our existing public housing stock and ensure we can provide high quality homes for all tenant,” Ms Berry said.
A Home Energy Support Scheme – Community Housing Program participant, Ada, said, “Last winter I spent most days confined to one small room of my house with a newborn, as it was simply too expensive to heat the main living areas. This winter I was able to play with my son in the living room without worrying about breaking the bank.
“My energy bills this winter are 35 per cent of what they were last winter (from $1100 to less than $400), and the house has been considerably warmer throughout.”
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, Director – Mission, Communications, Fundraising & Partnerships, Josh Vaughan, said, “Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn are pleased to have been recipients of energy upgrades across 13 properties housing diverse and vulnerable Canberrans, including the installation of insulation and replacing gas appliances with electric appliances.
“As a Community Housing Provider with the interests of meeting community need at the heart of everything we do, this has helped to make our homes the most comfortable environments possible; has further tailored our homes to the individual health and accessibility needs of tenants and has reduced energy costs.”
The Home Energy Support Scheme evaluation reports are available on the Everyday Climate Choices website.
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