NSW Consumer Energy Strategy provides a welcome vision for reform

The NSW Government’s Consumer Energy Strategy, released today, outlines an ambitious vision to transform homes and energy in the state. But it also highlights the significant work required to ensure NSW’s transition to net zero is fair for people.

The Justice and Equity Centre welcomes the plan to progress household electrification and improve energy efficiency for those who need it most through the Home Energy Saver Program. We also welcome a commitment to mandatory disclosure of residential energy efficiency for properties being sold or leased, and better standards and protections for consumers: reforms we advocated for in our submission to the strategy.   

Other measures that will make the NSW energy system fairer include:

• progressing minimum energy efficiency standards for renters,
• expanding and improving  energy efficiency and peak demand reduction schemes,
• reforming rebates, and
• direct support for electrification and efficiency upgrades through the Home Energy Saver Program.

Delivering on the promise of the NSW Consumer Energy Strategy will benefit people’s health and wellbeing, increase energy affordability and help to address the urgent climate challenge.

Comments attributable to Douglas McCloskey, Justice and Equity Centre’s Program Director of Energy and Water Justice

‘The Consumer Energy Strategy offers a vision for a fairer NSW energy system, where some of the worst cost pressures are alleviated and household health and wellbeing is improved for many people experiencing disadvantage – but there is a lot of work to do.’

‘Energy affordability is a significant challenge for many people in NSW and we’re pleased to see the Government is taking this seriously, with substantial investment in the Home Energy Saver Program and comprehensive support aimed at delivering benefits for all NSW households.’

‘This strategy follows years of tireless work from consumer and community advocacy organisations. The scope of the strategy, and its focus on equity and improved health and wellbeing, is welcome recognition.’

‘The NSW Government has committed to set targets for electrifying and improving the efficiency  of homes and establishing better consumer protections. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure it delivers on the ambition of this strategy for people in NSW.’

‘The next two years will be vital for developing the detail of this strategy, to start to make real change for NSW households.’

Media contact:
JEC Media and Communications Manager, Dan Buhagiar: 0478 739 280