Key information
- Applications are now closed.
- $4.7 million has been awarded to 12 successful applicants.
Overview
The NSW Government has awarded $4.7 million in grants to 12 community energy and not-for-profit organisations through the Community Energy Activation Program.
The grants help trusted local organisations build their skills and support people in their communities to reduce energy use and lower energy bills.
Funded projects are supporting community education, local engagement, trusted energy advice and innovative tools that connect consumers to energy saving products and services.
Funding was awarded in July 2026. All projects must be completed by April 2029.
The NSW Government is supporting an equitable, community-led energy transition. Reducing your energy use saves you money while producing fewer emissions. Everyone’s contribution will be different, but it all adds up to net zero.
Grant recipients
The grant recipients are:
- Asian Australians for Climate Solutions Ltd
- Community Power Agency Co-Operative Limited
- Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated
- Electrify Bouddi Incorporated
- Energyze North Shore Inc
- Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand
- Illawarra Multicultural Services Inc
- Owners Corporation Network of Australia Ltd
- Pingala Community Energy Incorporated
- Repower Shoalhaven Incorporated
- Rewiring Australia Research and Advocacy Limited
- Southern New England Landcare Ltd.
About the grants
The grants are supporting practical, hands-on projects right across NSW. This includes helping regional and multicultural communities, renters and apartment residents cut their energy bills.
Activities underway include:
- train-the-trainer programs that build skills and capacity of local community energy organisations
- advice to help households cut energy bills and manage cost of living pressures
- workshops and one on one support to build energy literacy and confidence
- tailored guidance to upgrade homes with energy efficient appliances, solar and batteries
- culturally appropriate services to support multicultural communities.
About the program
Community organisations play a key role in delivering trusted, local support. This program supports organisations to turn awareness into action through practical support and local initiatives.
The broader objectives of the Community Energy Activation Program include:
- reduce barriers for the community to access energy-saving products and services
- support and scale community energy initiatives
- improve awareness and uptake of existing financial support and energy efficiency programs
- deliver measurable benefits like lower energy bills, reduced emissions and protecting the community against future electricity cost increases
- targeted support for renters, apartment residents and low-income households
- help to access rebates, concessions and government energy saving programs.
This is another way we’re supporting an equitable, community-led energy transition through our NSW Consumer Energy Strategy.
Frequently asked questions
There are several projects that specifically support multicultural communities. They provide information in different languages, work with trusted community leaders and deliver tailored advice through community based workshops and dedicated support. This will help these communities understand bills, access support and make informed decisions in a way that feels accessible and trusted.
We recognise that community organisations are often best placed to deliver energy outreach. These organisations are already trusted in their communities. They know how to reach people who might not access standard government programs, and they can provide tailored, face-to-face support that makes a real difference.
These projects are helping households understand the practical steps they can take to reduce their energy bills. Energy education about low cost, low effort energy-saving changes empowers people to address their immediate needs and help reduce their energy bills. This includes accessing financial support to make energy upgrades at home like solar and batteries. The goal is to help these households participate in and benefit from the energy transition so they get long term energy savings.
Renters and apartment residents face different barriers, so we are funding projects that specifically address their needs. This includes working with strata and owners corporations to help people navigate shared decision-making. This will help renters and apartment residents understand what’s realistic in each situation - whether that’s small low-cost savings or making bigger upgrades through government programs.
The program is delivered through a mix of locally focused and statewide projects. Multiple organisations based in regional areas, such as New England and Shoalhaven, will be delivering tailored projects to meet the needs of their local communities. This approach combines local leadership with broader access to trusted advice, ensuring support addresses the needs of different communities and stages of the energy journey.
This was an open, competitive grant with projects assessed against clear criteria, including their ability to reach priority communities, deliver practical outcomes, and provide value for money. The final group represents the highest ranked projects with strong evidence they can deliver real benefits for households.
Contact and support
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, or to discuss your project or application, please email us at [email protected].
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Find out about what you can do right now to:
- save money
- make your home more comfortable
- support clean, reliable energy.