Social housing energy upgrades
We are working to improve cooling in social housing properties and reduce energy use and costs for social housing residents across Queensland.
What will be upgraded?
The Thermal Comfort Program and broader Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative include a range of improvements in social housing properties such as:
- ceiling insulation
- energy efficient ceiling fans
- energy efficient hot water systems
- cooling systems (in Climate zone 3 only)
- solar for crisis accommodation properties.
When will the upgrades happen?
The upgrades began in 2024 with expected completion in 2027.
We are prioritising energy upgrades to social housing properties based on factors including:
- location
- climate zone
- the age of the property.
Who will benefit from the upgrades?
Up to 32,000 households in public and community housing across Queensland will benefit from the energy upgrades.
Newly constructed homes have been constructed with energy efficiency in the design so don’t require upgrades.
How will tenants and community housing providers know when their properties will be upgraded?
For public housing tenants
Public housing tenants will be notified by letter when it is time for upgrades to be installed in their home. Contact your local Housing Service Centre for more information on the energy upgrades.
For community housing providers
We will contact community housing providers who manage government-owned properties when it is time for upgrades to be installed.
Community housing providers who own their properties may be eligible for the Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades program managed by Queensland Treasury.
Who is funding this program?
The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.