A NSW Government website

Frequently asked questions

NSW Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative

What will the program deliver?

The NSW Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) will deliver energy improvements to around 24,000 social housing homes across NSW. Upgrades will help reduce energy bills for tenants and keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. These energy efficiency upgrades could include solar systems, reverse-cycle air conditioners, heat pump hot water systems, LED lighting, ceiling fans, window shading, insulation and draught-proofing.

Who is funding the program?

The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments with Community Housing Providers are providing $175 million for energy upgrades in social housing. This will help reduce energy bills for tenants and keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Who is delivering the program?

Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office, and Aboriginal Community Housing Providers, are currently installing upgrades at selected eligible properties. Community Housing Providers will start upgrades on selected eligible properties in early 2025.

Is the program just for social housing properties?

Yes, this program is only for selected and eligible social housing properties.

Which properties are eligible?

Selected social housing properties will be a mix of NSW Government-owned and managed homes, along with those owned or managed by Community Housing Providers.

All types of residential social housing, including apartments, cottages, townhouses and villas are eligible.

Housing providers will contact tenants directly if their home has been selected to potentially receive upgrades.

Where is the program being rolled out?

The program is being rolled out state-wide in a combination of remote, regional and metropolitan areas.

When is the program running?

The program started in 2024 and runs until June 2027.

For social housing tenants

Can I apply for the program?

Social housing residents cannot apply for this program.

Housing providers will identify properties to be assessed to receive upgrades under the program.

Is my housing provider delivering upgrades under the SHEPI program?

Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Corporation, and Aboriginal Community Housing Providers are rolling out upgrades to selected eligible properties.

A grant program for Community Housing Providers (CHPs) was announced in September 2024. Up to $18.3 million is available for eligible CHPs to provide energy performance upgrades at the homes that they own and/or manage. Learn more about Community Housing Energy Performance grants.

How will I know if my home will be included in the program?

Housing providers will select properties for energy upgrades under the program.  

If your home has been selected

Your housing provider will contact you if your home is selected to be upgraded as part of the SHEPI program.

Housing providers will give tenants in the eligible homes information on the upgrades they could receive as part of the program.

Please contact your housing provider if you have any concerns or queries, or would like to find out if they are participating in the SHEPI program.

Are the upgrades compulsory or can I opt out?

Social housing tenants can opt out of the program by contacting their Housing Provider.

What if my home is not eligible?

The NSW Government has other programs for households to help them save energy and costs.

Find ways to get started on saving energy and money in your home.

For Community Housing Providers

How can Community Housing Providers join the program?

A grant program for Community Housing Providers (CHPs) was announced in September 2024. Up to $18.3 million is available for eligible CHPs to provide energy performance upgrades at the homes that they own and/or manage. Learn more about Community Housing Energy Performance grants.

Where can I get more information?

For any specific enquiries about the program that aren’t answered here, please send via the form: