Grant applications now open for community groups to save on their energy costs

The Powering Communities Grant will help local organisations reduce their power bills. Photo: SHASA.

Not-for-profit organisations along the South Coast have the opportunity to apply for grants to help reduce their energy costs.

A total of $10.2 million in federal funding has been made available for the Powering Communities Program and Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging organisations to apply for the grants.

Not-for-profit groups such as youth clubs, surf clubs, aged care bodies and local emergency service volunteers are all eligible to apply.

Between $5000 and $12,000 is available for each applicant, with $67,700 in total available for the Gilmore electorate. A maximum of 12 projects can be funded in each electorate.

“Now is a great time to apply for funding to upgrade equipment that is costing way too much to run, like air conditioners, hot water heaters, cooktops and refrigeration,” Mrs Gilmore said.

According to Mrs Gilmore, community groups will save money when they become more energy efficient.

Some organisations may be in the position to upgrade to on-site renewal energy and solar batteries.

Other potential projects could target upgrading heating or cooling systems, replacing existing lighting with LED and purchasing new induction cooktops to replace those less efficient.

The grant will also allow for energy management activities and assessments as well as an ongoing investment in energy monitoring and management systems.

Expressions of Interest are open until Monday June 7, 2021, with successful applicants then invited to apply under the program.

MPs in each local community will identify potential applicants and projects and then invite them to apply for a grant.

The application process will be open from 1 July 2021 and will close on 20 September this year and from there they will be assessed and successful applicants contacted.

Projects which receive the grant must be completed by 30 June 2022, and can be started from the date the application is submitted.

To be eligible, groups must be a not-for-profit organisation with an Australian Business Number (ABN).

More information is available online.