Transcript for Energy Efficiency in Social Housing video

Liz Richmond (Senior Program Manager, DEECA): Good morning everyone, and thank you for taking the time to attend our information session on the application process for the Community Housing Upgrades stream of the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program.

My name is Liz Richmond. I am the Senior Program Manager at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

The audio and video functionality has been disabled for attendees. If you have questions during the presentation, please ask them using the Teams Q&A function. We will address as many questions as possible at the end of the presentation, and any remaining questions will be taken on notice and addressed in an updated Frequently Asked Questions section on our website later this week.

All participants will also receive a link after the session with a copy of the slides and a recording of the session.

I would like to start by acknowledging Country. I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. Our government is committed to working in partnership with Traditional Owners as distinct right holders to land, sea, river and sky Country, and to ensuring First Peoples are at the centre of decision-making processes around issues and opportunities that directly affect them. As we will discuss today, this is an inherent part of the Community Housing Upgrade Stream that we have designed.

I will now pass to Tranquillity Quinton, the probity advisor for this program.

Tranquillity Quinton (Probity Advisor): Thanks Liz, and good morning everyone.

RSM is engaged as the independent probity advisor to oversee this grant process. Our role is to monitor, advise and report to ensure the process is conducted in accordance with government requirements and key probity principles.

We have been working with the project team to embed probity throughout all activities and to ensure all parties are treated fairly and equally, and that applicants can have confidence in the process.

There are a number of obligations and requirements I want to highlight. While we understand some suppliers may have existing relationships with DEECA, it is important that there is no discussion regarding this grant process outside the questions raised today. Any questions must be submitted in writing through the approved channels. There should be no unauthorised communication regarding the process and no lobbying of government employees.

When it comes to your application, please ensure you read and understand the application response requirements, terms and conditions, merit criteria and lodgement deadlines. Put your best foot forward and do not leave room for assumptions in your submission. Applications will be assessed on their merits, based on the information provided.

If you have any probity concerns, you are welcome to contact myself or the probity team. Our details are on the slide.

Back to you, Liz.

Liz Richmond: Thanks Tranquillity.

We have a number of speakers joining today to provide information to support your application for the Community Housing Upgrade Stream. The agenda is outlined on the slide.

I will provide an overview of the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program, including its relationship with the Australian Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, and how minimum energy efficiency standards relate to this grant stream.

I will then hand over to Tim Peterson from Solar Victoria, who will cover the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program. Katie Becker, Senior Project Officer in my team, will then explain the eligibility 5,assessment criteria and application process. Dez Daswani from Homes Victoria will share 5  key lessons learned from delivering energy efficiency upgrades in public housing, and finally Caroline Armstrong from CHIA will provide an update on the Victorian Energy Efficiency Project. We will then conclude with questions and answers.

The Australian Government Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative funds upgrades to help social housing residents benefit from the energy transition. These upgrades aim to reduce energy bills and improve comfort by keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Victoria’s Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program is delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and will upgrade around 11,000 social housing homes between June 2024 and June 2027. The program aims to enhance energy performance through multiple upgrades per property, reduce energy bills, improve health outcomes and support the shift to all-electric homes.

As of October, more than 22,000 upgrades have been delivered under the program since 2020, with over 700 public housing properties converted to all-electric since June 2024. Additional Commonwealth funding announced in November 2024 is expected to support upgrades to a further 8,000 public and community housing properties by June 2029.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards were introduced to ensure rental properties meet a baseline level of energy performance, improving comfort, reducing energy bills and cutting emissions. While community housing currently has exemptions, compliance is expected to become mandatory over the next decade. Planning upgrades now helps avoid future compliance risks and costs.

I encourage all applicants to read the upgrade guidelines on our website for detailed information on eligible upgrades.

I will now pass to Tim Peterson from Solar Victoria.

Tim Peterson (Solar Victoria): Thanks Liz, and good morning everyone.

I’m Tim Peterson, Engagement Lead for the Victorian Energy Upgrades Insulation Team. I’ll provide an overview of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program.

The VEU Program is the Victorian Government’s flagship emissions reduction program. It has operated since 2009 and is legislated to continue until 2045. The program reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supports gas substitution, lowers energy costs and drives growth in energy efficiency products and services.

Community housing upgrades should leverage VEU incentives wherever possible. Since inception, the program has supported more than 510,000 households and reduced around 90 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

There are more than 30 incentives currently available, accessed through accredited providers. Relevant incentives include heating and cooling upgrades, hot water heat pumps, draught proofing, induction cooktops and, from March 2026, ceiling insulation.

Insulation is particularly important, with around 60 per cent of existing Victorian homes having no or insufficient ceiling insulation. The new activity aligns with upcoming minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes, with community housing gaining early access.

Safety, quality and workforce training are central to the program, with strong controls, audits and industry partnerships in place to ensure high standards.

Successful applicants to the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program are expected to leverage VEU and other incentives to maximise outcomes and reduce upgrade costs.

At the core of the VEU Program are Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), which represent the energy savings achieved through upgrades. These are reflected in quotes and invoices alongside other rebates such as Small-scale Technology Certificates and Solar Victoria rebates.

I’ll post my contact details in the chat and am happy to answer questions during the Q&A. I’ll now hand over to Katie Becker.

Katie Becker (Senior Project Officer, DEECA): Thanks Tim, and good morning everyone.

I’m Katie Becker, Senior Project Officer at DEECA, and the day-to-day contact for the Community Housing Upgrade Stream.

This grant stream opened last week and applications close on 13 February. We encourage all applicants to read the application guidelines carefully.

Eligible applicants are registered housing organisations that can pass on energy savings to renters and confirm legal authority to undertake upgrades.

In round one, $9 million is available, with an average of $18,000 per property across portfolios. Applications for multiple properties are encouraged, and flexibility is built into funding allocations as long as portfolio averages are maintained. A mandatory budget template is provided to assist with calculations.

All upgrades funded in round one must be completed by January 2027. Organisations may apply in multiple rounds.

Each property must receive at least two eligible upgrades. Some activities have specific conditions, such as water-efficient showerheads requiring installation alongside heat pump hot water systems, and gas abolishment requiring electrification.

Co-contribution requirements vary depending on renter priority groups. Evidence may be requested to confirm renter eligibility.

Eligible properties should generally be retained for at least 10 years, include detached, attached or apartment buildings under five storeys, and preferably be built before 2005. Rooming houses are eligible provided energy savings are passed on to renters.

Applications are assessed against weighted criteria covering program alignment, project delivery, and organisational capability, followed by a value-for-money assessment.

Applicants must submit the mandatory project plan and budget templates, and are expected to provide supporting documentation such as risk management logs and renter engagement plans.

Application guidelines, upgrade guidelines and the funding agreement template are available on the website, along with contact details for assistance.

I will now pass to Dez Daswani from Homes Victoria.

Dez Daswani (Homes Victoria): Good morning everyone. I’m Dez Daswani, Acting Manager for the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program at Homes Victoria. I’ll share five key lessons learned from delivering upgrades across more than 700 electrified homes.

The first lesson is the importance of renter engagement and consent. Personal, empathetic communication across multiple channels significantly improves participation. Clear expectations, translated materials and consistent follow-up reduce issues and complaints.

Second, installation is only half the job. Renters need practical demonstrations and simple guides to use new appliances effectively. This reduces confusion, callbacks and dissatisfaction.

Third, property selection matters. Older, leaky homes with gas appliances often deliver the greatest benefits. Multi-unit sites can introduce complexity, including shared electrical infrastructure and extended timelines.

Fourth, be cautious with maximum demand calculations. Conservative assumptions can trigger unnecessary electrical upgrades. Reviewing operating currents and seeking expert advice can save time and costs.

Finally, Victorian Energy Upgrades administration requires discipline. Contractors experienced with VEU processes tend to deliver smoother outcomes.

I’m happy to take questions during the Q&A. I’ll now hand over to Caroline Armstrong.

Caroline Armstrong (CHIA): Hello everyone. I’m Caroline Armstrong, Project Coordinator for the Achieve X Energy Efficiency Program.

This week is the deadline for data collection using the portfolio spreadsheet. Submitting good-quality data allows us to provide portfolio reports to support upgrade planning and grant applications.

We also have upcoming expressions of interest for lead organisations to undertake audits. These deadlines are approaching, and the work can align closely with your grant applications.

I’m available for questions during the session or via email.

Liz Richmond: Thank you. We’ll now move to the Q&A session.

[Question and answer session covering contractor eligibility, mandatory participation in the VEU Program, sharing of renter engagement materials, eligibility of post-2005 properties, timing of future funding rounds, potential changes to eligibility criteria, and funding processes.]

Thank you all for joining us today. The recording and slides will be shared, and applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday 13 February, with questions closing on 6 February.

We wish you a happy festive season and look forward to receiving your applications.