Older people are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events such as heatwaves. The prohibitive costs of electricity or gas results in older people not using heating in winter or risking their health in summer as they are unable to make their homes energy efficient. The vast majority of non-homeowners have little control over improvements that make the biggest difference to costs, such as insulation, solar or other energy efficient fixed appliances.
The NSW Ageing on the Edge Forum recommends the NSW Government implement Energy Efficiency Rental Standards across NSW urgently, with a focus on prioritising households that are at higher risk of harm such as older people who are vulnerable to extreme weather events, and incorporate mechanisms to ensure older renters are consulted throughout the process including implementation.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."