Submission: NSW government consultation on Energy Efficiency Rental Standards

29 May 2026

To: NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Re: Energy Efficiency Rental Standards

Thank you for the opportunity for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) to provide input to the NSW government’s consultation on minimum energy efficiency rental standards.

IEEFA is an independent energy finance think tank that examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.

IEEFA recently published a report analysing the potential impacts of implementing Minimum Energy Efficient Rental Standards (MEERS). Key findings relevant to NSW include:

• MEERS could save NSW renters $35 billion by 2050.
• Renters could be better-off from day one.
• Upgrading rental properties would benefit all energy consumers.

Our submission elaborates on these findings and responds to selected consultation questions. A full copy of our report is included with this submission. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this submission further.

Kind regards,

Jay Gordon, Energy Finance Analyst, Australian Electricity