Better protections for Victorian renters on energy

Renew strongly welcomes the Victorian government’s proposal to expand minimum energy efficiency standards for renters.

All homes should be healthy and affordable to run. Making homes energy efficient and powering them with renewables reduces bills, improves health, reduces emissions, and makes homes more comfortable during weather extremes. However, too often renters are locked out of these benefits. Rental homes have worse energy efficiency than owner-occupied homes. Nationally, one study found that poor energy efficiency leaves renters paying 8% more in energy bills compared to owner occupiers in similar homes. A higher proportion of renters experiences energy stress than owner-occupiers. Renters risk being left behind in the transition to clean, renewable electricity and locked into paying the costs of a declining gas network.

Minimum standards for renters that include energy efficiency and a phase out of gas appliances are a critical step to protect renters.

Renew’s submission to the Victorian government consultation strongly backs proposed new minimum standards, including insulation, draught sealing, cooling, and efficient electric hot water and heating.

Read Renew’s submission here.