The Minns Labor Government is investing $2 million in ten community-based organisations to deliver energy education that helps households understand their energy use and reduce their bills.These organisations will work with households through a mix of face-to-face workshops and community events, home visits, and multilingual or culturally appropriate information. They will teach a range of skills, including:

  • reading and understanding energy bills
  • comparing energy plans and getting the best deal for their household
  • improving energy safety
  • learning energy-saving tips for their home
  • seeking energy payment support
  • accessing renewable energy savings.

Funding prioritises organisations that work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, low-income households, seniors and households in rural and regional NSW.

The following organisations have been awarded grants:

  • CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (Western Region)
  • Sydney Community Forum (Sydney)
  • The Flagstaff Group (Sydney and Southern Region)
  • Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council (New England)
  • Interchange Shoalhaven Limited (Southern Region)
  • Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (Sydney)
  • Armidale Uniting Church (New England)
  • Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Inc (Mid North Coast)
  • Homes North Community Housing (New England)
  • The Trustee for The Uniting Circle Charitable Trust (Sydney)

This is the second round of grants. First-round grantees helped more than 1,500 people understand their bills and take action to reduce them through more than 70 activities. The program is one of the key actions being delivered under the NSW Consumer Energy Strategy to support energy education and ensure everyone can benefit from the energy transition.

For more information, visit: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-local-organisations/programs-grants-and-schemes/inclusive-energy-outreach-grant

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“We are connecting directly with households most in need of support, to give them the knowledge 
and confidence needed to take control of their energy use and cut their bills.

“Working with community organisations recognises that we need to go beyond a one-size-fits-all 
approach. They have trusted relationships that are the foundation for delivering practical, real-world 
advice that reduces pressure on household budgets.”

Sydney Community Forum Executive Officer Nirmal Joy said:

“This grant will enable us to deepen our community-led approach to energy literacy training and 
reach communities struggling with the cost of living.

“Last year, we directly trained 1,597 CALD community members, many of whom are community 
leaders who can share these learnings within their own communities. The training reached 30 
postcodes, 13 LGAs and 45 language groups.

“This approach has also enabled important indirect outcomes, including supporting six women to 
undertake electrical trade apprenticeships, opening up employment opportunities.

“We welcome this new funding, which will allow us to reach more people and help communities 
reduce energy costs, find better deals, practise energy efficiency and access energy-related rebates 
and support.

“We want to ensure that no one is left behind in the renewable energy transition.”