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Home energy efficiency program ACT & surrounds

Home Energy Efficiency Program

The Home Energy Efficiency Program supports over 700 lower-income households in the ACT a year with practical ways to reduce their energy bills and modifying homes to become more energy efficient.

How we help

We provide individual home assessments and tailored advice to help to reduce energy usage.

We provide practical solutions to make the home more energy efficient, such as:

  • thick block-out curtains and pelmets in two living areas
  • draught proofing
  • an energy saving kit that includes a heated throw rug

We also advocate for:

  • appliance upgrades
  • heater upgrades
  • referrals to other services
  • electricity/gas bills

Who do we support?

To be eligible for this program, the participants must live in the ACT, and the household income must meet the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) income limits or if you hold a:

  • Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
  • Low-income Health Care Card
  • Veteran's Affairs Pension Card.

The Facts (2021-22)

In 2021, three of our energy officers became the first in Canberra to be accredited as National Energy Scorecard assessors (like a NatHERS energy rating, but for existing homes)

  • 630 households with energy efficiency support
  • We have provided 277 homes with thermally efficient curtains
  • Over 600 heated throw rugs and energy saver kits are provided
  • Over 250 high-quality quilts delivered
  • Of the 630 homes assisted, 53 households are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and 103 are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

A quote from a Companion (the people we support)

A Ngunnawal elder participated in the program where she received curtains in her bedroom and living area. We assisted her in applying for a reverse cycle system on medical grounds with Housing ACT.

She sent this message after she received the curtains:

“A day in bed. But it's so nice to have privacy now. Plus, the curtains look lovely, keeping the room nice and dark when I need it and being heaps warmer. I feel so spoilt.”

She also called the day the reverse cycle system was installed to say she was happy.

She was so pleased with the program that she referred many of her friends, for whom we have also completed a home energy assessment.

Contact our team for an assessment

See if you are eligible for the program by contacting our team on 02 6234 7408 or email us at energyefficiency.cg@vinnies.org.au

Contact our team

Supported by

The Home Energy Efficiency Program is fully funded by the ACT government's Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).

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