Minimum energy efficiency rental standards (MEERS) make rental homes healthier, safer and more affordable to live in. It’s also a critical part of reducing emissions from energy use.
Implementing MEERS in NSW is long overdue and a crucial opportunity to deliver long term improvements renters by reducing the cost of maintaining a safe and healthy home.
That’s why we’re supporting ambitious standards in our response to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) Investigation into MEERS consultation paper. Along with a robust implementation strategy and strong renter protections, our recommendations include:
- making a long-term commitment from the outset to provide certainty;
- implementing a standard based on Home Energy Ratings to ensure more holistic outcomes for all renters, regardless of circumstances;
- commencing phase-in of standards as soon as possible through features and other interim measures, and accelerating implementation in social and affordable housing;
- immediately phase in requirements to replace fixed appliances with efficient electric alternatives at end of life, as well as installing sufficient insulation and draught-proofing measures.
The standards should set a pathway for all rentals to be all-electric by 2035 with very few exceptions, to ensure renters aren’t left behind in the energy transition.
What’s next?
NSW DCCEEW and Fair Trading will provide advice to the Government on whether to proceed and what is the preferred approach. This is the beginning of a very important process, and we will continue to work with community and industry stakeholders to support progress and implementation of MEERS in way that improves outcomes for renters.
