CHRIS BOWEN MP
MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY 

JOSH WILSON MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY


MORE BILL BUSTING UPGRADES FOR VICTORIAN HOMES

 
Over 14,000 Victorian households will benefit from bill busting energy upgrades through a new $171.7 million agreement under the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, as Labor ensures all homes benefit from cheaper, cleaner power.
 
The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future by providing a further $146 million to see more of Victoria’s social housing refitted with cost saving energy upgrades, including hot water heat pumps, electric cook tops, reverse-cycle air conditioning, solar panels and other energy-saving technologies. The Victorian Government will match $25.7 million in SHEPI funding.

Some of Victoria’s social housing was built decades ago, making them expensive to keep comfortable.
 
But simple upgrades to these homes, so they stay cool in the summer and warm in the chilly Victorian winters, will insulate the state’s most vulnerable from bill shock and see their bills go down for good.
 
The Albanese Labor Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is expected to upgrade more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia – almost 25% of Australia’s social housing stock – to save on energy bills and cut emissions every year.
 
Under Peter Dutton, this program is at risk to pay for his $600 billion nuclear reactor scheme, the most expensive form of energy and the slowest to build.
 
Victorian households can’t wait two decades for the most expensive form of energy, that’s why this expanded funding builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s earlier $46 million contribution, which was matched by the Victorian Government.
 
SHEPI is already delivering benefits to Victoria’s social housing residents, with the rollout of energy performance upgrades underway.
 
This highly successful energy upgrade program is a partnership between the Albanese Labor Government and state and territory governments, and the recent funding expansion announced in November 2024 and funded in the 2024-25 MYEFO takes the Commonwealth’s total funding to $800 million.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
 
“Labor's number one priority is delivering cheaper energy – while all the Liberals want to do is jack up power bills with their $600 billion nuclear plan.

"That's why we want to make sure every Australian has access to cheaper, cleaner energy.

“These upgrades mean cooler homes in summer and warmer homes in winter, that are cheaper to run year-round, locking in lasting bill relief.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:

“Every Australian, no matter where they live, deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.

“As we shake off the recent hot weather and prepare for winter, we’re reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lower bills to some of the most vulnerable households in Victoria and across Australia.”

TUESDAY, 8 APRIL 2025
 
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