The AHO said on Monday it has installed solar panels in 62 of its homes in a bid to help reduce tenants’ power bills and 72 smart energy management systems (Eddy systems) to better manage energy usage.

Two local Aboriginal organisations – Kenjarhy Solar and Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise – have partnered with AHO, a statutory body in the Family and Community Services Department, to deliver the unique project, provide jobs, and train local people in the industry.

“For many Aboriginal families, energy bills can be an enormous drain on finances. If we can help provide some relief from this expense we can increase the disposable income for many families and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our tenants,” AHO chief executive Shane Hamilton said. 

“With both a smart energy management system and solar panels already installed in 62 AHO homes we can now see the benefits of  saving energy and costs for our tenants. We anticipate that over 150 AHO properties will benefit from the program when all the installations are completed this year.

“One of our big goals is to provide housing related assistance and opportunities to our tenants. For example, rather than just house a person and take them off a waitlist - we can also install an Eddy system and provide air conditioning for instance, to make sure the environment is a more comfortable environment” Mr Hamilton said.

The unique Eddy system installed in properties can show which appliances are using the most energy, therefore making it easier for tenants to identify how they can reduce energy costs.

This is a first of its kind for NSW and the first time this technology is being used for social housing clients anywhere in Australia. Tenants can use a smartphone or tablet to monitor energy use and even control appliances.

“We want this program to reduce energy poverty in Dubbo and provide local jobs. Rather than just say ‘we’ve housed people and our job is over’ it’s simply imperative for us to use housing as a means to a better future,” Mr Hamilton said.

Aboriginal owned and operated energy company, Kenjarhy Solar, has inspected the homes, installed the solar panels as well as provided training in working at heights and employment installing solar panels for six people with one participant securing a full-time job.

Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation, also based in Dubbo, has offered workshops for AHO tenants covering energy saving tips.

The next workshop will be in Dubbo on June 7 for AHO residents, where they will find out how they can take advantage of this new energy system.

The workshop is also open to members of the wider public interested in reducing energy costs in the home.