TasCOSS welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of an additional $500 million to retrofit another 50,000 social housing properties with energy efficient, electric and solar upgrades and calls on the Tasmanian Government to match its investment.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said this is a significant investment that will improve the lives of thousands of Tasmanians living in social housing who are struggling to afford their skyrocketing energy costs.
“There are more than 12,600 households in Tasmania with an energy debt and tens of thousands more experiencing energy poverty,” Ms Picone said.
“These are Tasmanians who can’t afford to turn on the fan or heater, and are left with little choice but to ration energy use and minimise, or avoid all together, activities like showering, cooking or turning on lights at night time.
“The benefits of home energy efficiency upgrades are permanent and will result in significant cuts to energy bills, healthier and more comfortable living conditions, and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
“TasCOSS has long been calling for greater investment in household energy efficiency and rooftop solar, to improve the thermal efficiency of our poor housing stock, reduce energy consumption and lower household energy bills over the long-term.”
“Right now, we need the Tasmanian Government to step-up and match the Commonwealth’s $500 million investment so that more Tasmanians in social housing can benefit.
“Tasmania’s co-contribution could be funded by better targeting the Renewable Energy Dividend that is handing out $12.7 million in energy bill relief to the wealthiest 20% of households in Tasmania.
“Solutions to ensure Tasmanians in private rentals and low-income homeowners can also benefit from home energy upgrades are also urgently needed. This includes mandating energy performance standards for rental properties.”
By the numbers:
- Since 1 July 2022, electricity prices in Tasmania have increased by more than 23%, whereas CPI has increased by 8.4% for the same period.
- 12,663 Tasmanian customers are currently repaying an energy debt, twice as many since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 24% increase in customers entering retailer hardship programs in the past year.