Keeping low-income Victorian households cool during heatwaves

BSL’s Climate Safe Homes pilot program provides low-income Victorian households the opportunity to receive subsidised home energy efficiency upgrades.

BSL’s Climate Safe Homes pilot program provides low-income Victorian households who are living with chronic health conditions with the opportunity to receive subsidised home energy efficiency upgrades. These upgrades will enable those who are vulnerable to heat and cold to keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is particularly important as heatwaves increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Funded by The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, Hansen Little Foundation and Schneider Electric Pacific Foundation, the program has assisted over fifteen households to date and will be expanding to support more people in 2024.

Last year our program supported Pamela who is in her mid-eighties and suffers from a chronic health condition, exacerbated by cold weather. With the team’s help, she now has an additional reverse cycle air conditioner in her lounge room to help her to better manage indoor temperatures and her health. As a result, she’s no longer confined to her bedroom in winter to keep warm. Pamela also had solar panels installed through the program, dramatically reducing her energy bills. Both instalments have improved her life enormously.

I love to paint in the living room. Before the split system in the living room was installed, I had to stay in bed to keep warm. I love that I can now move around the house without feeling a change in temperature. This also assists with my chronic health condition. It’s changed my life.

Pamela found dealing with energy and appliance providers very confusing and was greatly appreciative of the support and advice she received from the BSL team. “Victoria from the BSL Climate Safe Homes team was so wonderful to work with. She explained all the steps so clearly and I’m eternally grateful.”

The Climate Safe Homes pilot is already developing rich insights to inform our engagement with government and industry on the best policy and program responses to enable those on low incomes to lower their energy bills and improve their resilience to climate change-induced heatwaves.

Watch this video of Geraldine and Michael who were also supported through the Climate Safe Homes program.

To learn more about the program, visit Climate Safe Homes.