The AHO received funding in January 2024 through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) to deliver an overarching co-funded Energy Efficiency Program.

The objectives for this funding program is outlined below:

• To identify a suite of eligible properties that will benefit from the upgrade of energy related assets including solar upgrades and temperature control upgrades (air conditioning) with delivery to be managed by the relevant Providers
• To increase the value of Provider properties and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements related to aged or unsuitable heating and cooling options
• To reduce the operating costs of Provider properties by completing a works program that aims to reduce electricity costs through the implementation of solar power options.
• To increase environmentally sustainable solutions in Provider properties by delivering a works program that considers a reduction of costs of living for heating and cooling (implementation of solar).
• Spread funding across suitable Providers with a maximum allocation per application capped at $250k
• To manage a fair, transparent and auditable process in the identification of suitable properties and the allocation of funding.

The Energy Efficiency Program may consist of but not limited to:

• Supply and install new Solar Panel PV systems;
• Supply and install solar hot water systems and heat pumps; and
• Supply and install air-conditioning split systems and ceiling fans.

Assets must meet the eligibility criteria and the project criteria for expenditure to be considered eligible under the funding program, including:

• Respondents must be a NRSCH or NSWLS registered Aboriginal Community Housing Provider (ACHP), an AHO registered Aboriginal Community Housing Organisation (ACHO), or Aboriginal Organisations who are not yet registered but will apply and be approved for transitional registration with the AHO for the duration of the program.
• Assets must be Community owned.
• Property must be in New South Wales.
• A list of affected properties / assets will need to be submitted through the SmartyGrants process to be considered
• Provide sufficient details to meet program requirements through the SmartyGrants process to assist to determine eligibility.

• Email: energyefficiency.achp@aho.nsw.gov.au