Up to 7500 social housing properties in Canberra will receive energy efficiency upgrades, with the Federal Government investing another $12.9 million in rooftop solar and battery installations.
The initiative aims to lower energy bills and improve living conditions for some of the Territory’s most vulnerable residents.
The upgrades will utilise Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), connecting and coordinating renewable energy resources to provide additional cost savings.
By participating in a VPP, households equipped with solar panels and batteries can access more affordable and reliable energy.
The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $500 million expansion of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative.
The initiative is expected to benefit over 100,000 social housing properties nationwide—nearly a quarter of Australia’s total social housing stock.
According to the Federal Government, households could see savings of up to $1800 annually on their energy bills with the upgrade.
ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr, welcomed the investment.
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring no Canberrans are left behind as we transition to net zero. We welcome this significant further investment by the Australian Government which will see rooftop solar panels and batteries installed at thousands of social housing properties,” Orr said.
“These solar and battery systems will be operated as a Virtual Power Plant, delivering an innovative and long-term solution to reducing electricity costs and supporting grid reliability.”
The ACT Government also said it will prioritise Australian-made products in the procurement process.
Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Homes and New Suburbs, noted that the initiative complements ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency in public housing.
“Our new public housing builds maximise energy efficiency, including a 6-star energy rating and energy efficient appliances,” Berry said.
“The existing public housing stock is also being upgraded through the Home Energy Support Program, with ceiling insulation and or electrification upgrades already completed in over 2,500 properties since the program began in 2023.”
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