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 visit your home to provide free energy efficiency assessments. During the visit we give energy saving advice tailored to your home, family and lifestyle. The Home Energy Efficiency Team visits all types of tenancies including private rentals, privately owned homes, supported accommodation and Housing ACT properties.
We offer practical support through providing:
- thick block-out curtains and pelmets in two living areas*
- draught proofing
- an energy saving kit that includes a heated throw rug, cooling towel and thermometer
We offer education and support around:
- using appliances
- heating/cooling
- water heating
- using efficient solar energy
- referrals to other services
- reading and understanding electricity/gas bills
- checking energy concessions or rebates
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
Not sure if your income is below the NRAS income limit? Get in touch and we are happy to help.
The Facts (2021-22)
- 630 households with energy efficiency support
- we have provided 277 homes with thermally efficient curtains
- over 600 heated throw rugs and energy saver kits provided
- of the 630 homes assisted, 53 households are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and 103 are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- provided 20+ energy efficient education sessions to community organisations
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 a free Home Energy Efficiency 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
Supported by
The Home Energy Efficiency Program is fully funded by the ACT government's Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).
*Block-out curtains and pelmets are provided to homes that have no other form of window covering. Block-out curtains and pelmets cannot be fitted to some window styles or locations.