NSW Launches SHEPI Community Housing Energy Performance Grant

Shared SolShare solar system providing affordable power to residents at City West Housing

Amazing news for social housing residents! The New South Wales government has opened applications for a pioneering Community Housing Energy Performance grant program, which could significantly relieve cost-of-living pressure for people living in social housing.

Given most social housing stock in Australia (around 62%) is made up of multi-dwelling buildings, including apartments (35%) or townhouses & semi-detached units (27%), shared rooftop solar is likely to be the most cost-efficient retrofit solutions for improving energy efficiency. 

The grant program offers $18.3 million in funding for community housing providers (CHPs) to invest in energy efficiency upgrades which aim to significantly reduce tenants' electricity bills and improve quality of life.

The only catch is that applications close at 5pm, 1st November 2024 - so the race is on to ensure social housing providers capitalise on these upgrades.

Shared solar system on an affordable housing block n Ryde, NSW

About the Community Housing Energy Performance grant

The $175 million NSW Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) will provide energy efficiency upgrades for approximately 24,000 social housing properties across NSW.

Incorporated within this is $18.3 million in grants, to be provided directly to CHPs as part of the Community Housing Energy Performance (CHEP) grant program.

The CHEP grant program aims to upgrade approximately 3,500 social housing properties owned and/or managed by CHPs. Additional incentive payments, totalling up to $1 million, will also be available for successful CHPs to encourage timely delivery of the energy upgrades.

The majority of funding will be made available to Tier 1 and Tier 2 Community Housing Providers, with a minimum mandatory co-contribution of 15-25%.

What does the Community Housing Energy Performance grant cover?

The grant will help fund energy performance upgrades including:

• solar systems including shared rooftop systems for apartment buildings
• reverse cycle air conditioners
• heat pump hot water systems
• LED lighting
• ceiling fans
• window shading
• ceiling insulation
• draught proofing

Which social housing properties are eligible?

CHPs that are successful through the grant funding application process will choose which properties they upgrade, and the type of upgrades installed. Priority may be given to homes that:

• were built before the introduction of Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) in 2004
• are in climate zones where extreme heat and cold are experienced

View NSW government Community Housing Provider grant guidelines document here.

Which CHPs can apply?

The grant is open to all CHPs that:

• are registered in NSW as approved and compliant with National Regulatory System Community Housing (NRSCH)
• are the legal owner or manager of the property and have the rights to carry out the project in agreement with the owner(s) of the property
• hold and comply with relevant insurances, including:  
  • public liability insurance ($20 million per claim)  
  • workers compensation insurance (as required by law)  
  • comprehensive motor vehicle insurance.
• hold a valid ABN and are registered for GST
• are not subject to any insolvency event, including the subject of an order or resolution for winding up or dissolution (other than for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation) or the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, administrator or similar
• agree to make the minimum mandatory contribution. 

How to apply

Step 1 

Contact Allume's team to get a free site or portfolio assessment - this will give you an idea of the project budget, expected savings for residents, roof capacity for solar and environmental impact.

We can help with your application in relation to solar for your multi-tenant sites. Shared solar for apartments is one of the most cost-effective ways to retrofit apartment buildings 

Step 2 

Apply for the grant via the government website.