Driving Down Power Bills For Social Housing Residents

The Allan Labor Government is partnering with Local Energy Networks (LEN) to help drive down power bills for social housing residents and reduce Victoria’s carbon footprint.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing and Member for Essendon Danny Pearson today visited one of five sites in Ascot Vale to announce Homes Victoria has partnered with LEN operator Energy On to give renters living in social housing the best energy deal in the market.

The nation-leading initiative prioritises consumer fairness and support for residents facing cost of living pressures.

The average energy bill for social housing renters will come down by $400 per year compared to the current Victorian Default Offer, through on site power from solar PV and renewable energy from the grid.

LENs are also being rolled out at fully electric and energy efficient new social and affordable housing sites in Ashburton, Heidelberg West, Hawthorn, and North Richmond.

Homes Victoria will manage each site-specific network that supplies electricity and hot water, using 100 per cent renewable energy that aligns with the Labor Government’s net-zero commitments.

Through the Big Housing Build, the landmark Housing Statement and the partnership with Energy On, this energy deal will benefit more than 1000 households – including 111 public housing, 415 community housing and 484 affordable tenancies.

This program adds to the $112 million Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program which is providing cost and energy efficient upgrades for thousands of public, community and Aboriginal housing properties.

New Big Housing Build homes will meet the highest environmental design benchmarks and include a minimum average 7-star NatHERS energy efficiency standard, ensuring they are cheaper to heat and cool.

The historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is boosting Victoria's social housing supply by 10 per cent. Since it began, more than 7,600 homes have been started and more than 3,000 homes are already complete.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Harriet Shing

“We know that energy costs are affecting Victorians and this is about reducing costs for social housing residents while making their homes more comfortable year-round.”

“We’re ensuring social housing properties are cooler in summer and warmer in winter, helping to protect the health of residents living in them.”

Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson

“Dunlop Avenue is a Big Housing Build success story providing quality homes for families in Ascot Vale – and it’s doing that with 7-star energy efficiency and lower bills through the Local Energy Network.”