Financial Counselling Victoria’s submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments highlights the urgent need for equitable access to renewable energy for renters, social and community housing residents, and low‑income households. Drawing on insights from financial counsellors working with people experiencing energy hardship, the submission outlines how high upfront costs, embedded network restrictions, and inconsistent planning requirements are leaving vulnerable households behind in Victoria’s energy transition. FCVic recommends reforms to enable retail choice, ensure new developments include fair access to shared renewable infrastructure, strengthen regulation around emerging products like plug‑in balcony solar, and explore models such as community batteries to improve affordability and access.