Page 3694 - Week 12 - Thursday, 25 November 2021
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performing rental properties and low income owner-occupiers. This measure is also supporting the introduction of minimum energy requirements for rental properties. The government will make a regulation to enact the standard to start from mid-2022, with the minimum standard being phased in over a number of years.
The government is continuing to deliver the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme, with $8.9 million allocated over four years for the ongoing administration of the scheme. This includes the continued delivery of the Actsmart Low Income Household Program. All expenses are fully offset from funds paid into the scheme by tier 2 electricity retailers. The scheme places an obligation on electricity retailers to make energy savings in households and small to medium-sized businesses, with 40 per cent of the energy savings required to be delivered to low income priority households in 2022.
The priority household target, currently set at 30 per cent of the retailer energy saving obligation, will increase to 40 per cent in this coming year. This is in recognition of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing electricity prices, and a growing need within the community for access to energy-saving activities, with the associated improvements in thermal comfort and savings on energy bills.
The Actsmart Low Income Household Program is trusted within the community, with over 4,200 in-home energy assessments undertaken since October 2015. The program supports vulnerable households with free energy efficiency education and upgrade activities, including draught proofing and curtain installation.
The solar for low income program will continue, with the ACT government committing $3.1Â million over four years to provide subsidies of up to $2,500 for eligible home owners. Already over 670 low income home owners have installed rooftop solar systems since the program launched in December 2017, saving a household between $900 and $1,700 per year.
Assisting the most vulnerable in our community does not just save energy and emissions; it also allows people to live more comfortable and dignified lives, as all members of our community deserve to. This is not just a part of our climate change response; it is our duty to those who are struggling.
The last measure I will discuss specifically is the $5 million funding for upgrades to community clubs to make them more sustainable. By investing in more efficient energy technologies, these vital community assets will be able to provide even more services to the community and improve their long-term financial viability. Through these upgrades, we also have an opportunity to ensure that these clubs are appropriate places to provide community shelter when there are heatwaves, fires, smoke or other community hazards.
The Community Clubs Program delivers on a commitment to reduce harm from gaming while supporting sustainable clubs. The program offers rebates of up to $75,000 to support eligible clubs to undertake energy efficiency upgrades, build envelope improvements and install rooftop solar and energy storage systems to reduce clubs’ energy use and their bills. It will also support clubs with their transition from
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