Governments tip $63 million into electrification, efficiency for thousands in social housing

The federal and Western Australian governments announced late last week a $63.2 million partnership designed to provide energy upgrades for remote and regional social housing properties across the state.

With most social housing properties in Australia built more than 20 years ago, before minimum build standards, upgrading a house from a 1-star energy efficiency rating to a 3-star rating has the potential to reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent, providing a parallel saving in household power bills.

With backing from both the federal and Western Australian state governments, the new WA Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative will run until 2027 and deliver energy upgrades to remote and regional social housing residents in hotter climates such as the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West, and Goldfield regions.

The Western Australian government will identify social housing properties eligible for upgrade and will deliver upgrades including hot water systems and lighting.

“The Albanese Government wants to help all Australians lower power bills and reduce emissions, no matter where they live or how much they earn,” said Jenny McAllister, federal assistant minister for climate change and energy.

“Energy upgrades will help households save money, save energy, and make homes more comfortable each and every year.

“Energy upgrades and electrification can especially help tenants save substantially on energy bills and keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.”

Federal investment is part of the government’s $1.7 billion Energy Savings Package, $300 million of which is targeting upgrades for up to 60,000 social housing properties across Australia.

“Boosting energy efficiency for social housing stock is a cost-effective way to extend the useful lifespan of dwellings while supporting increased liveability and comfort for tenants,” said John Carey, WA minister for housing.

“The program will support some of Western Australia’s most vulnerable community members by assisting those households to save money and save energy.”