Joint media release with Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction the Hon Angus Taylor MP

The Morrison Government has supported hundreds of community groups around Australia to cut their power bills and reduce their emissions while supporting local jobs.

The grants from the $10.2 million Powering Communities Program will enable not-for-profit groups to complete projects that deliver energy efficiency.

Announcing the grant outcomes today, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that lowering the energy costs of community groups would have positive effects both locally and nationally.

“The Government is proud to be playing our part to support volunteer and community groups to lower their energy bills and invest in energy efficient equipment,” Minister Taylor said.

“Volunteer and community groups have stepped up to support Australians through the pandemic, but we know this often comes at increased costs to their bottom line. By taking the pressure off their operating costs, the Government is supporting them to do what they do best: serving and assisting their communities.

“Local jobs will also be supported through the energy-efficiency measures funded by the program, which includes projects like installing solar panels and batteries, replacing lighting with LEDs, and upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or refrigerators with more efficient models.”

Assistant Minister Wilson said the grants are part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to increasing the nation’s energy efficiency while meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets.

“The Morrison Government is focused on empowering community groups, businesses and households to be part of our journey to carbon neutrality,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.

“Unlike Labor’s tax-first approach, our focus on technology is helping to lower Australia’s emissions, while also reducing electricity bills.” 

Applications for grants under the program opened in March 2021. Each federal MP, with the assistance of a committee representing the local community, nominated projects and invited groups to apply for the grant funding of between $5,000 and $12,000.

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources selected the successful applicants after considering them for eligibility and completeness.

For a full list of successful grant recipients go to: https://business.gov.au/pcp#grant-recipients 

Media contact:

Assistant Minister Wilson’s office 02 6277 2392