ACT Social Housing to Receive Solar and Battery Upgrades Under SHEPI

The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) aims to improve energy efficiency in social housing, benefiting tenants with reduced energy bills and better living conditions. The program includes thermal shell upgrades, energy-efficient appliances, and solar solutions like rooftop panels and battery storage.

The Australian Government has invested $300 million for the first phase, targeting 60,000 homes. This initiative, co-funded with state and territory governments, will tailor upgrades based on local climates.

In November 2024, the federal government announced an additional $500 million for SHEPI’s expansion, increasing funding to $800 million. This will cover over 100,000 homes by 2029. Agreements with states and territories ensure the program’s effective implementation.

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• Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative

ACT Social Housing to Receive Solar and Battery Upgrades Under SHEPI

Up to 7,500 social housing households in the ACT are set to receive energy upgrades through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI). The Australian Government is providing $12.9 million to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems across these homes.

These systems will be integrated into a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which connects and optimizes renewable energy sources to function as a unified power plant. Participation in a VPP can help residents lower energy costs while also:

• Reducing strain on the electricity grid
• Cutting carbon emissions

This initiative builds upon previous upgrades under SHEPI and the ACT’s Home Energy Support: Social Housing Program, which focused on electrification and insulation improvements. As a result, social housing residents will benefit from homes that are more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable year-round.

This announcement follows the $500 million expansion of SHEPI, unveiled in November 2024. The federal government is collaborating with states and territories to enhance existing programs or establish scalable pilot initiatives to broaden the impact over time.

 

Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative

The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is a program designed to enhance energy efficiency in social housing, enabling residents to benefit from the ongoing energy transition.

The initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain of high energy bills for social housing tenants while improving their living conditions by ensuring homes are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Upgrades provided through the program include:

• Thermal shell improvements like insulation and shading
• Energy-efficient appliances, such as heating, cooling, hot water systems, ovens, and cooktops
• Solar energy solutions, including rooftop solar panels and battery storage

With an initial $300 million investment from the Australian Government, SHEPI is co-funded with state and territory governments. The first phase of the initiative will reach approximately 60,000 homes, with each region customizing the upgrades based on local climate needs.

 

Expansion of the Initiative

On 30 November 2024, the Australian Government announced an additional $500 million over four years (starting in 2025-26) to expand SHEPI, bringing the total federal funding to $800 million. The expansion will enable the program to cover over 100,000 social housing properties and continue until 2029.

 

Partnerships with State and Territory Governments

Under the original $300 million investment, agreements have been established with all state and territory governments to facilitate the rollout of upgrades to public and community housing. These partnerships ensure that the upgrades are tailored to the specific needs of different regions, ensuring the best outcomes for residents.