Submission: Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments

Around one in eight Victorians lives in a flat or apartment and one in three rents, with both proportions increasing as the cost of detached housing rises. Through a survey of 132 apartment owners and renters across Victoria, respondents consistently identified a strong desire for rooftop solar, efficient electric appliances and services, and building envelope improvements to reduce energy costs and improve comfort. However, people living in apartments face significant barriers to accessing these benefits, including Owners Corporation governance rules, high upfront costs, embedded energy networks, site constraints and poor access to accurate information. The submission outlines these challenges and recommends reforms to strata governance, stronger support programs and better policy frameworks to ensure apartment residents can access affordable, efficient and renewable energy.