The Australian Government has significantly expanded the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), promising substantial energy bill savings for over 100,000 social housing properties across the country.
The $500 million expansion will now cover almost 25 per cent of Australia’s social housing stock, providing critical energy efficiency upgrades to vulnerable households. The program focuses on practical improvements such as insulation, electrification, and solar installations that can help tenants reduce their annual energy expenses.
Officials highlight that eligible households could save approximately $1800 per year on energy bills through these upgrades.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about cost of living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions.
“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter locks in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said the Albanese Government is making a real difference right now for social housing tenants, who are among the least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades, and yet most affected by energy costs.
“Across the nation, the SHEPI is providing crucial upgrades to social housing stock which is reducing energy bills, keeping homes more liveable year-round, and lowering emissions,” Wilson said.
“The cheapest form of energy is that which you don’t use in the first place – the SHEPI program is a prime example of the Albanese Government making a positive difference right now while building the foundation for a better future.”
With this latest investment, the total Commonwealth funding for SHEPI has reached $800 million. The program specifically targets households with the least capacity to implement energy performance improvements independently.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.