Last Thursday, plug-in solar became legal in Great Britain. The week before that, New Zealand announced it would do the same within 12 months. Germany is now well past three million. In Australia you can buy a plug-in kit today, but you cannot legally plug it in.

A resident in a Canberra apartment complex had been plugging their electric vehicle into a common-area outlet, effectively sharing the electricity bill with everyone in the building. As more Canberrans buy electric vehicles, who should pay to make apartment buildings ready to charge them?

The recently released report of the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into ‘Renewable and Affordable Energy for Apartments’ provides extensive evidence for the need to switch our focus from grid-sourced energy supply and to consumer-side measures and the plug-in revolution.

A rule change that would give three million people who live in apartments in Australia the same access to the wildly popular federal cheaper home batteries subsidy program as people in freestanding homes will be submitted to the federal government this week.

We’re part of an apartment advocacy collective spotlighting the policy settings and programs needed to ensure apartment communities can participate in the energy transition. Many of our recommendations have been included in the Parliamentary Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments.

A podcast by Renew Economoy and Switched On Australia.

Australia's rooftop solar and battery boom has largely bypassed the millions of people who live in apartments. Allume Energy co-founder and CEO Cameron Knox argues that rather than being left behind in the energy transition, apartments have the potential to be at the forefront of residential renewable energy generation.

Apartments stand out. The research highlights apartment developments as a particularly strong opportunity, because the combined upfront cost per apartment is modest relative to the total extra profit made from selling greener apartments.

The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has just released a brand new EV-ready guide for owners corporations.

Panellists Tom Bacon and Julie McLean, hosted by OCN's Janette Corcoran, delivered an interactive session focused on the proposed reforms, what's currently before Parliament, and the decisions that could affect your owners corporation, committee, building and your rights as a lot owner.

All Electric Homes, Electrify Yarra the City of Yarra are providing the advice you need as part of an apartment electrification pilot. Eligible apartment complexes may also receive a feasibility assessment valued at up to $1,500 at no cost.

Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) has funded the Unlocking Electrification Upgrades in Apartment Buildings action research project. The project will deliver new insights, tools and templates to support apartment communities to electrify. A partnership project from OCN, Let Me Be Frank and High Life Living.

Researchers from UNSW and RMIT have recently released new research - Opportunities and barriers for photovoltaics on multi-unit residential buildings: Reviewing the Australian experience - and are talking about it The Conversation:

Australia is a world leader when it comes to adopting rooftop solar systems. But our solar transition is leaving renters and apartment dwellers behind.

The Guardian’s Petra Stock writes:

Apartment living can be a barrier to solar and battery adoption. Here’s how to navigate the hurdles and practicalities.

This Owners Corporation Network webinar unpacked the Statutory Review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006. Watch the video or review the slides.

Deadline extended until Sunday 26 July 2026

Expressions of Interest are now open for eligible medium and high-rise apartment buildings across Metropolitan Melbourne to receive a free Electrification Feasibility Assessment, NABERS for Apartments rating, and Energy Efficiency Opportunity Report. 

This Victorian Government inquiry is looking at expanding access to renewable and affordable electricity for people living in apartments, townhouses and other multi-unit dwellings.

The inquiry heard energy policy has been designed around detached housing.

This affects you.

The Victorian Government appointed an panel to review the OC Act to identify opportunities to improve its operation.  Their report has now been released publicly. We encourage you to have a read and stay informed.

“In my apartment block’s ‘Room of Unlimited Magical Recycling Possibilities’ I found not just freebies, but friends” writes The Guardian’s Dani Smith.

Join this free online information session on Thursday 26 February at 7:30 pm to discover how shared solar works.

Environment Victoria want to hear from renters in apartments or units to expand access to the benefits of energy efficient, all-electric, clean energy powered homes. Closing: 20 February 2026.

Public submissions are open until 27 February for an inquiry into expanding access to renewable and affordable electricity for people living in apartments, townhouses and other multi-unit dwellings.

Researcher seeking to interview owners corporation members: Tackling food waste in Multi-Unit Dwellings: the role of Owners Corporations in food waste diversion

NABERS is undertaking a research project to understand how disclosure schemes can support owners in making energy efficiency upgrades to common areas of apartment buildings. Find out how your can participate.

The training covers essential guidance on effective governance for committee members, focusing on compliance with strata legislation and meeting stakeholder expectations.

Read our submission to the Victorian Owners Corporation Act Review. We encourage you to speak with your local member about your experience of apartment living and what needs to change.

Rebates of up to $2,800 per household for residents living in eligible Victorian apartments, units and townhouses.

Aug 29, 2025 01:00 PM. Join strata legal expert Tom Bacon, strata industry leader, Julie McLean, and OCN Director Dr. Janette Corcoran as they unpack the Government’s proposals, break down the implications, and highlight next steps.

The review opened for consultation on 5 August and closes on 2 September so time is tight. Find out more, complete the survey or upload a submission asap.

While by-laws and legislation are crucial, there's a less obvious, but equally vital, side to successful strata living: soft skills. A free webinar on Jul 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

In the move to Net Zero in Australia, apartments have been largely left behind. The unique difficulties of retrofitting apartments means that they have ended up in the ‘too hard’ basket when it comes to both policy and practice. This project is one step in cracking the code!