The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Thousands more social housing residents in NSW will soon have homes that cost less to run and stay more comfortable year-round thanks to the Albanese Government investing $145.3 million to upgrade an additional 13,500 properties.
Work under the expanded Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) will commence in January 2027. Eligible upgrades will include solar panels and batteries, reverse-cycle air conditioners, heat pump hot water systems, and thermal shell improvements, such as ceiling insulation and draught proofing.
A typical NSW household could save around $1,400 a year after installing solar panels and a further $200 to $800 a year by switching to a new heat pump system.
The upgrades will help tenants lower their energy bills, better manage heating and cooling, and live in healthier and more comfortable homes.
This expansion builds on the original $175 million NSW and Commonwealth co-funded SHEPI program, which has already delivered energy upgrades to more than 15,000 NSW social housing properties.
Around 37,500 properties across NSW will be upgraded by the end of the expanded program in 2030.
Nationally, the SHEPI is investing $1.1 billion, including $800 million from the Albanese Government, to support energy performance upgrades to more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia.
As of August, the SHEPI had already delivered energy performance upgrades to more than 41,000 social housing properties nationwide.
The Albanese Government is working closely with state and territory partners to deliver these upgrades, including in regional and remote areas.
Eligible properties will be identified and prioritised by Housing Providers.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson
"Everyone deserves a home that is healthy, comfortable and affordable to run. Through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, we're helping residents to reduce their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable year-round regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
"NSW experiences everything from cold winter mornings to intense summer heatwaves. These upgrades will help ensure some of our most vulnerable Australians can stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer without putting additional pressure on the household budget.
"This investment builds on the strong progress already being made across New South Wales and demonstrates the Albanese Government's commitment to practical cost-of-living relief, better homes and lower emissions.
"We believe people in social housing deserve homes that are comfortable, healthy and affordable to run. It's bizarre and disappointing that Opposition Housing spokesman Andrew Bragg said 'yes, definitely' when asked whether lower-income Australians should accept substandard housing, while Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has suggested people could put on a jumper in winter rather than spend money improving housing quality."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe
"Thousands of households are already benefitting from lower energy bills thanks to joint funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments.
"The Commonwealth's expansion of the program not only helps cut the cost of living, but it makes a real difference for residents to better manage heating and cooling throughout the year.
"Whether it's solar panels, new insulation or more efficient hot water systems, these upgrades are bringing down household bills and emissions."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson
"These upgrades will make a real difference to thousands of social housing residents across NSW. They'll help keep homes cooler in summer, warmer in winter and more affordable to run.
"Lower energy bills mean more money in people's pockets, and that's exactly the kind of practical support people need as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.
"Building more homes is critical, but it's just as important to invest in the homes people already live in. This investment will improve the quality, comfort and energy efficiency of social housing, ensuring it remains fit for the future."
