In an Australian first the Andrews Labor Government will deliver free energy upgrades to 1,000 low income households in Western Melbourne and the Goulburn Valley.
The Victorian Healthy Homes program will provide energy efficiency upgrades to the homes of low income individuals who are receiving home and community care services.
It will also measure the health, comfort and financial benefits that can be achieved by improving a building’s thermal performance.
The Labor Government will partner with Moreland Energy Foundation Limited and the University of Technology Sydney to deliver the Home Energy Assist package.
Program recruitment is due to start early 2018 in Melbourne and 2019 in the Goulburn Valley.
Moreland Energy Foundation Limited works with households, businesses, community groups and governments on new ways to implement sustainable energy supply and reducing energy use. They will manage frontline services for the home visits and energy efficiency upgrades.
The University of Technology Sydney is bringing together researchers from their Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation and Institute for Sustainable Futures to measure the health, energy and climate change benefits of the program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know the enormous benefits of energy efficient homes – that’s why we’re delivering this Australian-first program.”
“These programs are making things fair — helping low income households transition to a low carbon economy, combat climate change and save money on power bills.”
Quote attributable to Moreland Energy Foundation Limited CEO Alison Rowe
“We’re pleased to be able to work with the most vulnerable households in our community to deliver what we hope will lead to significantly improved health outcomes and reduced energy poverty.”
Quote attributable to University of Technology of Sydney Professor Rosalie Viney
“Our analysis will examine the effects of the program on the well-being and health of Victorian families, and deliver new knowledge to the Victorian Government on its benefits and costs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020