The federal Labor government has delivered a further $50.2 million towards extending the benefits of solar, energy efficiency and electrification to social housing residents across two states, in the lead-up to the May federal election.
On Tuesday, federal energy minister Chris Bowen unveiled $36.1 million in funding to help around 3,500 South Australian social housing homes slash their energy bills with cost saving energy upgrades.
Announced on Tuesday, the new investment is being delivered as part of the second round of the federal government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), which aims to fund upgrades
A day later, Bowen announced $14.6 million for energy upgrades to around 1,200 Tasmanian social housing homes, including for solar panels, electric heat pump hot water systems and LED lighting.
“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 people’s lives,” said Josh Wilson, assistant federal minister for climate change and energy.
“We know that people are doing it tough right now, and these upgrades ensure that people are better prepared for hot summers and cool winters ahead.”
The two new funding pledges comes a week after Labor announced $171.1 million in SHEPI funding to help more than 14,000 Victorian social housing homes slash their energy bills, including for rooftop solar.
With less than three weeks until Australians head to the polls, Labor is quick to remind voters that its Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative would likely not survive a Peter Dutton Coalition government.
“Only Labor is delivering cheaper energy – all the Liberals want to do is jack up power bills with their $600 billion nuclear scheme,” said Bowen.
“We want to make sure every Australian has access to cheaper, cleaner energy.
“These upgrades mean cooler homes in summer and warmer homes in winter, that are cheaper to run year-round, locking in lasting bill relief.”