Greens’ Energy Policy Welcomed by Sydney Alliance – But More Needed to Ensure Renters Benefit
NSW Senator for the Australian Greens Dr Mehreen Faruqi at the Sydney Alliance Assembly. March 2025.
The Sydney Alliance welcomes the Australian Greens’ energy policy announcement today, which includes a significant expansion of funding for social housing energy upgrades and a new initiative to increase access to solar energy for renters.
We hope this represents the beginning of a race to the top on long-term cost-of-living solutions that are good for people’s health and for the planet. All households—regardless of income or housing status—must have access to the benefits of the energy transition.
Social Housing Energy Upgrades – A Clear Response to our Asks
We are pleased to see the Greens commit to expanding the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), with an additional $800 million in funding over four years from 2027. This will double the Federal Government contribution and take the total investment to $1.6 billion.
"The commitment from Governments to fund energy upgrades for social housing has been one of the great win-win stories of 2024. Giving people living in social housing access to more energy-efficient homes protects their health while helping reduce carbon emissions," said Chantelle Ogilvie-Ellis, Lead Organiser, Sydney Alliance.
“Just four weeks ago at our Assembly in Westmead, our Alliance called on federal politicians to expand this program. We’re very pleased to see this ask reflected in today’s announcement. A policy like this complements Labor’s recent battery program and ensures more people benefit from long-term energy savings as we work toward net-zero emissions."
Solar for Renters – A Welcome Step, But More Work Needed
Under the Greens’ proposal, $10 billion will be invested into a new Commonwealth Electricity Corporation, giving renters the right to request solar installations on their homes. Landlords would only be able to refuse under limited conditions, such as structural unsuitability or body corporate restrictions. The cost of the installation would not be paid up front by landlords but deferred until the property changes ownership.
This is an encouraging move, and many renters will welcome the right to request solar—especially those who’ve experienced the benefits firsthand.
“As a renter, I was lucky enough to live in a solar-powered apartment during COVID. My electricity bills were cut in half,” said Patricia Giannotto, a community leader who shared her story at a recent Alliance dinner in Parramatta.
As Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Douglas notes: “The Greens' Renters Rights to Solar proposal shows that the Commonwealth has options—if they are willing to take them. We need to see that leadership from whoever forms government in the next term.”
Leo Patterson-Ross, CEO, Tenants Union of NSW says that “This policy is a clear and sensible attempt to address the financial barriers stopping renters from seeing lower energy bills and sustainable energy in their home. However it does depend on a tenant making the request. This means we will see hesitation from renters who are concerned about risking their home, an unjustified rent increase, or are otherwise uncomfortable asking for the installation. That is most likely to mean that lower income and culturally diverse groups see lower uptake.”
There are also concerns about the suitability of solar for rental homes that lack basic efficiency features like insulation and draft proofing.
“Renters want access to solar, but placing panels on homes that are freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and riddled with gaps and cracks is like putting a solar panel on a tent,” said Bernadette Barrett, Acting CEO of Better Renting. “Minimum energy efficiency standards are fundamental—we can’t leave that piece out.”
Importantly, any solar subsidy or program accessed by landlords must include protections against rent increases. As the Solar Flair report shows, 60% of renters cite rent hikes as their top concern with solar upgrades. Government support for rooftop solar must not become a justification for landlords to raise rents.
Energy savings for renters was a key focus at the recent Federal Assembly, where the primary ask in this area was for the Federal Government to work with the States on minimum energy standards for rentals.
Working Across the Aisle
The Green’s announcement builds on growing momentum from politicians to prioritise climate and cost-of-living solutions for all. We’re encouraged to see real policies emerging—and are keen to see more from all parties and independent candidates.
“We look forward to working with the Crossbench and with all parties who are ready to deliver on the asks of our people and partners across Greater Sydney to ensure long term energy savings for all, and to make sure that renters and people on low incomes don’t miss out,” said Chantelle Ogilvie-Ellis.
Media Contact:
Nicholas O’Connor
0408540721
