THE ACT Greens have, today (September 24), made an election promise to commit $50 million into a “Just Transition Fund”, which will help low-income households, renters, vulnerable groups and businesses be more energy-efficient.
As part of the fund, the Greens say properties will receive funding for sustainability and energy-efficiency measures such as solar panels and batteries, draft sealing, insulation, glazing, efficient electric appliances, and water-saving measures.
The party says a no-interest loan scheme will also be established to support landlords to upgrade their rental properties to meet improved energy efficiency standards, creating more affordable and comfortable rental properties across the city.
They say the $50 million fund will seek to leverage capital from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and will utilise reverse auctions for the most cost-effective solutions.
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury says: “Climate change is the biggest threat our society and our planet collectively face, yet some groups will be more impacted than others.
“People on low incomes often can’t afford to heat or cool their houses – an issue compounded by the poor energy efficiency of Canberra’s older and cheaper housing.”
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