The Federal Government is investing $12.9 million to provide rooftop solar and batteries in social housing in the ACT, enabling residents to join virtual power plants (VPPs) and save on their electricity bills.
The funding will support up to 7,500 households, who will be able to use VPPs to connect and combine renewable energy resources, aiming to provide lasting cost of living relief to some of the territory’s most vulnerable households.
The ACT Government said it will provide a greater weighting through the procurement process for products that are Australian made.
The new funding is part of the $500 million expansion of the Federal Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI).
The initiative is expected to enable more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia – almost 25 per cent of the country’s social housing stock – to save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Upgrades delivered under the SHEPI could save tenants around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the Federal Government is bringing down bills for good through the renewable energy transformation.
“We are delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said every Australian deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.
“After the recent hot weather and knowing the challenge of winter is ahead, we’re reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lowering bills to some of the most vulnerable households.”
ACT Minister for Homes and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry, said every Canberran should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“Today’s announcement builds on our ongoing commitment to improve the comfort and energy affordability of public housing. Our new public housing builds maximise energy efficiency, including a six-star energy rating and energy efficient appliances.
“The existing public housing stock is also being upgraded through the Home Energy Support Program, with ceiling insulation and or electrification upgrades already completed in over 2,500 properties since the program began in 2023.
“The latest SHEPI funding marks a further investment in public housing, that is critically important to our community’s overall economic and social wellbeing.”
ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr, said the ACT Government is committed to ensuring no Canberrans are left behind in the transition to net zero.
“We welcome this significant further investment by the Federal Government which will see rooftop solar panels and batteries installed at thousands of social housing properties.
“These solar and battery systems will be operated as a VPP, delivering an innovative and long-term solution to reducing electricity costs and supporting grid reliability.”
