New Integrated Energy Plan to help electrify Canberra

The plan sets out the next stage of work for the Territory’s transition to an all-electric city over the next 20 years.

20 June 2024

The ACT Government is releasing new Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) as part of its investment in an all-electric, zero-emissions future for Canberra.

The plan includes a range of Government commitments to support Canberrans through the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.

The Integrated Energy Plan 2024–2030 sets out the next stage of work for the Territory’s transition to an all-electric city over the next 20 years.

It builds on the ACT’s success in reaching 100 percent renewable electricity in 2020.

It aims to ensure all Canberrans benefit from the transition, not just those most able to afford the necessary changes involved.

Energy bill savings

As well as being the cheapest, most effective pathway to net-zero emissions for the ACT, electrification can also bring significant energy bill savings.

A household that swaps gas cooking, heating and hot water for efficient electric appliances can save around $735 per year – or even more with the addition of solar.

The Sustainable Housing Scheme

Households needing support to make such changes can take advantage of the Sustainable Household Scheme.

Almost 20,000 households – 10 per cent of Canberra’s households – have accessed the scheme, which supports people with loans to electrify their homes and forms of transport. Those who have accessed loans to date have already saved an estimated $43 million on their energy bills.

Equipping community and public housing

The ACT Government will electrify all feasible community and public housing properties in the ACT by the end of 2030.

This work has already started, and will continue to be a priority, along with continued energy efficiency improvements to properties.

Further support for low-income homeowners

A new Community Partnership Electrification Program will be delivered over two years, to support vulnerable and low-income homeowners.

This will cover upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades and electrification, for approximately 350 low-income households.

Assistance for apartment owners

The Integrated Energy Plan will also support apartment residents, who may face extra challenges in electrification.

A new Retrofit Readiness program will offer free advice and electrification planning for those living in multi-unit buildings, such as apartments.

To help reduce obstacles for apartment residents, the IEP will also deliver strata reform work to identify and resolve regulatory barriers to electrification upgrades in multi-unit buildings.

Upskilling a workforce

An appropriately skilled workforce is crucial to supporting the energy transition.

The IEP will also target training subsidies to priority trades that support the energy transition. It will also increase subsidies for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Technician.

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) will host Australia’s first TAFE Centre of Excellence, focusing on electric vehicles.

ACT Infrastructure Plan updates

The ACT Government is also updating the ACT Infrastructure Plan, outlining future investments in climate action, energy and environment infrastructure for Canberra’s future.

This plan outlines how the Government will provide energy infrastructure to support greater electricity usage, the electrification of Government assets as well as water and natural environment protection.

Both the IEP and updated Infrastructure Plan continue the ACT Government’s commitment to transition to net-zero emissions by 2045.

Find out more

Learn more about the ACT’s Pathway to Electrification and read the first Integrated Energy Plan on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

To read the ACT Infrastructure Plan refresh for climate action, energy and environment infrastructure, visit the Built for CBR website.be to the OUR CBR newsletter