More than two-thirds of Australian renters say they are avoiding heating and cooling to save money, new Energy Consumers Australia data shows.
The latest Consumer Energy Report Card (CERC), released today, also shows that 40% of renters say they cannot keep their home at a comfortable temperature without using a lot of energy. The findings also come as new SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation data requested by Energy Consumers Australia shows 65% of Australians support the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards in rental homes.
Dr Carol Valente, Executive Manager, Advocacy and Policy with Energy Consumers Australia, said the findings underline the need for minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties to ensure millions of renters can adequately heat and cool their homes.
“More than 2 million rental homes in Australia are in a jurisdiction without minimum and enforceable energy efficiency requirements,” Dr Valente said. “These properties have woefully inadequate thermal insulation and inefficient heating and cooling systems, impacting renters’ physical and mental health, wellbeing and their finances.
“Our data shows 78 per cent of owner-occupied homes have at least one form of insulation, but only 36 per cent of rentals do so. Solar access tells a similar story: only 11 per cent of rental properties have rooftop solar, compared with nearly half of homes owned outright. Households with solar are significantly less likely to experience energy hardship.
Energy efficiency is the foundation of a fair, liveable and affordable energy future. We need all State and Territory governments to introduce nationally consistent minimum energy efficiency standards for all rental properties in Australia. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce bills, improve comfort and protect renters’ wellbeing.
Data from the CERC, which surveys about 4000 Australian households, shows 70% of renters are avoiding heating and cooling their homes to save money. Energy Consumers Australia’s Understanding and measuring energy hardship in Australia report earlier this year also shows renters are disproportionately more likely to be vulnerable to, or are experiencing, energy hardship.
“Renters often can’t retrofit their homes, rarely have the tenure security to justify any investment and frequently find themselves locked out of programs designed for homeowners,” Dr Valente said. “The result is a systemic disadvantage, widening the energy divide.
“Most Australian households believe making houses more energy efficient are important for reducing emissions. Minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals can ensure that a third of Australian households don’t get left behind.”
Conducted for Energy Consumers Australia by SEC Newgate, the CERC provides hugely significant insights into Australian consumers’ priorities, needs and attitudes towards the energy system. Click here to view the latest findings.
For interview requests or more information, contact Stuart Turner on 0415 403 208 or email media@energyconsumersaustralia.com.au
About Energy Consumers Australia
Energy Consumers Australia is the independent, national voice for residential and small business energy consumers. We enable residential and small business energy consumers to have their voices heard.
