Sydney Alliance, a coalition of community organisations, unions, religious organisations and schools, has applauded the announcement that the NSW Government has committed $87.5 million funding for social housing energy upgrades, matching the investment commitment made by the Commonwealth Government, and welcomes $30 million federal funding to support renters to access solar panels or plots for community solar gardens.

The Alliance made energy upgrades to social housing a key part of our election asks going into the NSW election in March last year. Today’s announcement is an important step for all residents in NSW as the government has recognised and acted on the need for more energy efficient homes to reduce the cost of living and provide better standards around climate resilient homes.

For eight years the Sydney Alliance ‘Voices for Power’ campaign has highlighted the need for access to a ‘solar garden’ community energy plot for low-income households, which will be funded as part of the federal government’s commitment to energy upgrades.

Heidi Lee Douglas, Solar Citizens CEO said, "Solar Citizens welcomes the announcement today of a $206 million investment in social housing energy upgrades by the Federal and NSW governments which is a positive step towards reducing the bills for the state’s social housing tenants.