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NSW social houses to get energy efficiency makeover

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Over 1000 social housing properties across New South Wales have received critical energy efficiency upgrades, helping tenants save on their energy bills and reduce emissions.

The $175 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), backed by matched funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, is providing these crucial upgrades to improve energy affordability and liveability in social housing.

The upgrades, which include new heat pump hot water heaters, solar sharing systems, ceiling insulation, electric stoves, and split system air conditioners, are being rolled out across the state.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Government is driving down energy bills with social housing upgrades to help bring cost of living relief to some 24,000 NSW homes.

“Working with the Minns Government to deliver better energy performance in social housing means warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer and cheaper bills year-round,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said this shows that the Albanese-Minns governments are making making energy affordable for social housing tenants.

“The Albanese Government is making sure everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their homes,” he said.

Regional NSW and Western Sydney households have already benefited, with more properties set to receive the upgrades in the coming years.

Both NSW Government-owned and managed homes, as well as those managed by Aboriginal community housing providers, are receiving the energy-efficient upgrades.

The involved social housing dwellings in NSW are expected to benefit from the initiative by June 2027.

SHEPI is a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, involving the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and both Aboriginal and Community Housing Providers.

In addition to the home upgrades, tenants are provided with information and guidance on how to operate their homes as efficiently as possible with the new features, further enhancing the energy and cost-saving benefits.

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