Last year, the ACT Government included rebates for ceiling insulation in its Home Energy Support Program; since then, 585 public and 70 community housing properties have upgraded their ceiling insulation, and 280 upgraded their electric appliances, to keep their homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 86 per cent of tenants who received upgrades reported improved comfort.
The $35.2 million program, in partnership with the federal government, provides up to $5,000 in rebates for homeowners to install energy-efficient products, including a rebate of half the installation price of rooftop solar (up to $2,500), and another rebate of half the installation price of reverse cycle heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, electric stove tops and ovens, or ceiling insulation (up to $2,500).
“This program delivers energy bill savings and improved comfort for residents, while helping to cut emissions by improving efficiency and switching households off gas,” Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said.
“This is an important part of our work to ensure a just transition that supports those who most need assistance, and shows that climate solutions can also help to address the cost-of-living crisis.”
The second phase of the program began in March. Up to 5,000 Housing ACT homes and 200 community housing properties will install ceiling insulation and upgrade electric appliances, the government expects. By moving from gas to electric appliances, households can save up to $300 per year on gas connection fees.
Ceiling insulation will be in installed in 670 public housing properties between March and 30 June, to bring the homes up to the new ceiling insulation minimum standard by November 2026.
The Program will also include further gas-to-electric appliance upgrades, including hot water systems, cooktops, and reverse-cycle air-conditioning, thanks to an Australian Government contribution of $7.2 million.
“Public housing tenants deserve to live in homes that are comfortable, secure, and that have the features they need,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, said.
“Canberra winters and summers can be particularly harsh, and these upgrades will allow public housing tenants to live more comfortably while saving on their utilities bills.”
“The ACT continues to lead the nation on climate action, and these sustainable housing upgrades for public and community housing tenants are part of our commitment to transition to a cleaner, greener future in the Territory,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister for Climate Action, said.
“The ACT Government is continuously considering how our policies and programs can better assist Canberrans and local industry. Our investment into climate action will enable our community to adapt and build resilience to climate change while benefiting our economy.”
