The program is aimed at reducing energy bills and would allow renters to book an energy assessor to look at their home and suggest quick and easy changes to help improve the efficiency.

These could include the improvement of window coverings, draught proofing or simply advice on when to have curtains opened or closed.

The scheme has previously been opened for homeowners but Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury announced on Wednesday the scheme would be extended to renters.

"It can be very hard for renters to make energy saving changes to their home. By expanding this program, we are able to provide renters with tailored information, such as draught proofing and using heating and cooling appliances and materials efficiently," he said.

The ACT government has committed to introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for properties by 2022 and landlords would be required to ensure properties met minimum energy performance requirements before putting a house up for lease.

"Landlords should provide minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties and that is the position the government has adopted after we put it in the climate strategy," Mr Rattenbury said.

"In the short term we can make a real impact to give people practical tips.

"It's about arming people with the knowledge to make their homes more efficient."

Rental properties are typically less energy efficient than owner-occupier properties. Previous research has indicated more than 40 per cent of the territory's rental properties had an energy rating of less than zero.

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University student Kate Western said she and her housemate hoped to book an assessor to look at the efficiency of second-floor apartment, in an older block.

"We're both university students so we've both got very limited income. As well, we are looking for ways we can reduce our environmental impact but also stay warm," she said.

When Ms Western started renting in Canberra last year she was stunned at her first energy bill.

"We were quite shocked because we had never rented before and didn't know what to expect," she said.

"Since then we have been cautious about turning on the heater in winter or the air conditioner in summer."

It's not an isolated experience for university students, Charlotte Goodman had also been similarly shocked when she moved to Canberra six years ago.

"It's a lot higher than you anticipate particularly as a university student on a lower income," she said.

The Australian Energy Foundation will deliver the program and renters advocacy organisation Better Renting has partnered with the government for the program.

The assessments can be done in-person, over the phone or online.