Nearly 4300 homes will be upgraded with hot water systems and lighting across the State under a $63.2 million plan to deliver energy savings for thousands of West Australians in social housing.
The Commonwealth and Cook Government will on Friday announce the joint initiative, which will help residents living in remote and regional social housing in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, mid-west and Goldfield regions.
The idea is to reduce energy bills by keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter with the program to run until 2027.
Social housing properties are generally some of the most energy-inefficient homes in the country with the majority built more than 20 years ago before minimum build standards.
It is understood that upgrading a house from a one-star energy efficiency rating to a three-star rating can reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent and decrease household power bills.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the initiative showed Labor’s commitment to helping households with cost-of-living savings through their energy bills.
“The Albanese and Cook Governments are helping all Australians to reap the rewards of the clean energy transformation,” Mr Bowen said.
The Albanese Government has pledged to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
WA Housing Minister John Carey said boosting energy efficiency for social housing stock was a cost-effective way to extend the “useful lifespan of dwellings while supporting increased liveability and comfort for tenants”.
“The program will support some of West Australia’s most vulnerable community members by assisting those households to save money and save energy,” he said.