The Australian federal government announced on Wednesday that it was investing a further $120.3 million to fund energy upgrades across Victoria’s public and community housing, helping to lower energy bills and create more comfortable homes for over 8,000 households.
The new investment, provided under the federal government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), will fund upgrades like rooftop solar, ceiling fans, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, hot water heat pumps, electric cooktops, ceiling insulation, and draught sealing.
It is the second SHEPI investment the federal government has made in Victoria, following an initial $142.2 million joint investment split with the state government. Since the program was initially funded in 2023, overall investment with the Victorian government has amounted to $263.7 million, enough to provide energy upgrades to around 19,000 public and community housing properties.
“Delivering energy performance upgrades through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative means that we share the benefit of cheaper energy bills and more comfortable homes with a focus on equity as we power towards a net zero future for Australia,” said Josh Wilson, federal assistant minister for climate change and energy.
