- Published:
- Friday 23 October 2026
The Carroll Labor Government is helping community housing renters bring down energy bills and stay comfortable at home, with more funding for energy upgrades.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes today announced $9 million for seven projects to upgrade around 730 community housing homes.
The upgrades will make homes cheaper to run, warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
They include reverse cycle air conditioners, draught proofing, ceiling insulation, induction cooktops, heat pump hot water systems and rooftop solar.
Delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, the grants will help community housing organisations replace inefficient appliances and improve their renters’ homes.
The program offers grants of up to $18,000 on average per property, helping housing providers deliver improvements across their homes.
The funding is part of the second round of the Community Housing Upgrades Stream, with upgrades expected to save households more than $1,000 a year.
The grants form part of a combined $346.6 million investment from the Victorian and Australian Governments to improve more than 23,000 social housing homes.
The investment will deliver around 60,000 individual energy upgrades, converting 5,000 homes to all-electric.
More than 44,000 upgrades have already been delivered, helping over 24,100 social housing renters enjoy lower bills and more comfortable homes.
This includes converting more than 3,600 homes to all-electric, helping renters save by getting off gas.
While Labor is delivering better homes and lower bills for Victorians who need it most, Jess Wilson’s One Nation-Liberal Coalition would leave them paying more for energy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes
“Community housing renters deserve homes that are comfortable and affordable to run – these upgrades will help them save more than $1,000 a year.”
“We’re replacing old, expensive appliances with efficient electric alternatives – so renters can keep warm in winter and cool in summer for less.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts Nick Staikos
“Every dollar saved on energy is a dollar renters can put towards groceries and other essentials – that’s the difference these upgrades will make.”