ACT Government Launches Ambitious 2025–26 Energy Strategy

In its 2025–26 Budget, the ACT Government has outlined a bold investment plan to accelerate the region’s transition toward a low-emission, sustainable future.

Over the next four years, more than $190 million will be directed toward environmental and climate-focused initiatives. The Government emphasizes that this commitment is essential to maintaining Canberra’s high standard of living and the well-being of its residents.

Central to this strategy is the goal of making clean energy solutions more affordable and widely accessible. The ACT Government continues to highlight electrification as the most cost-effective path to net-zero emissions, offering the greatest long-term benefits to the community.

Building on its achievement of 100% renewable electricity in 2020, the new budget aims to support the territory’s progress toward net-zero emissions by 2045. This includes ongoing financial support for households and businesses making the switch to electric technologies.

One major allocation in the budget is $21.776 million over four years to begin electrifying public housing. This funding will support the replacement of gas systems with efficient electric alternatives in 1,600 properties, including electrical upgrades and removal of gas infrastructure by 2028.

The budget also extends the Electrification of Government Gas Assets program, further advancing ACT’s decarbonization roadmap.

Additionally, $14.989 million is earmarked to enhance the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme. This includes targeted support programs for low-income families and small enterprises to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Several key programs will continue to receive backing, including:

The Home Energy Efficiency Program

The Sustainable Business Program

The First Nations Home Energy Support Program

The launch of a Commercial Building Electrification pilot

The Sustainable Household Scheme will also be extended, offering low-interest financing for zero-emission vehicles, home battery systems, insulation, and energy-efficient electric appliances.

As part of the National Skills Agreement, the ACT Government will establish a TAFE Centre of Excellence focused on electric vehicle technologies. An additional $4.14 million will be invested over two years to support the implementation of the Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy.

To reinforce its climate goals, the Government will invest a further $10.863 million over four years to maintain essential climate change and energy operations, ensuring legislative and strategic commitments remain on track toward the 2045 net-zero target.