MEDIA RELEASE: EEC welcomes additional $500 million for social housing upgrades 28 November 2024
The Australian Government has today announced an additional $500 million to expand the federal Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI).
This announcement more than doubles federal funding for SHEPI, and will be used to retrofit a further 50,000 social homes with energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning, insulation and shading; electric hot water systems, cooktops and ovens; and solar panels and batteries.
The funding will be proportionally distributed to the states without requirement of co-contributions, and could see an estimated 25% of all social homes across the country given energy efficient upgrades.
“Upgrading the homes of some of the most vulnerable members of our community is crucial to ensuring all Australians can access the benefits of the energy transition,” said EEC Head of Policy Jeremy Sung.
“This funding will help reduce pressure on energy bills for social housing residents and improve quality of life by keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.”
“It will also help build the much-needed retrofit market, helping to make all Australian homes and buildings all-electric, and more comfortable and resilient. It’s a complete no brainer.”
SHEPI was originally funded to provide upgrades to around 60,000 homes as part the Energy Savings Package in the 2023-24 Budget.
Media enquiries: media@eec.org.au