On 9 February 2012, the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program was launched, providing funding through three energy efficiency programs that have been designed to drive smarter energy use in business, local government, households and communities. Reducing energy costs through energy efficiency is recognised to be one of the most effective means of responding to rising energy costs and carbon pricing.
Funding will support industry associations and non-profit organisations, potentially working in partnership with local governments, to deliver information about energy efficiency to business and community groups that will help them to better respond to the impact of increasing energy costs, including the carbon price.
This is a merit-based competitive grants program that will support initiatives that make us smarter in our energy use, providing funding for eligible costs in the range of $100,000 to $1 million. Applications for Round 1 close 16 March 2012.
Programs include:
The Community Energy Efficiency Program – $200 million to assist local government, not-for-profit and community organisations to undertake energy efficiency upgrades to community infrastructure e.g. council buildings, stadiums, education facilities, town halls and nursing homes.
The Low Income Energy Efficiency Program – $100 million to support groups of service providers to demonstrate smarter energy use in low income households across Australia.
The Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program – $40 million to support small and medium sized businesses and community groups by providing information and advice to make smarter energy choices.
The Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program forms part of the Commonwealth Government’s – Securing a Clean Energy Future Plan; for the Program Guidelines, click here.
