Andrew Leigh

More grants are available to improve energy efficiency for community groups. These grants are offered as a part of the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future package and are a great chance for community organisations to reduce energy use and save money. More information is below.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

Gai Brodtmann MP

Member for Canberra

31 October 2012

ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS TO CUT COSTS STRENGTHEN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Dr Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser, and Gai Brodtmann, Federal Member for Canberra, today opened a new round of national funding for three energy efficiency programs designed to drive smarter energy use across the community.

“These grants will help the ACT Government, businesses and community organisations save money and cut pollution by improving energy efficiency in buildings, homes and streetscapes,” said Dr Leigh.



“The money saved from energy costs can be put right back into community projects. It also boosts the bottom line for small and medium businesses. These grants will strengthen our local economy at the same time as tackling pollution,” said Dr Leigh.

Ms Brodtmann said the ACT Government was already leading the way on reducing its carbon footprint. “The ACT Government has reduced its energy use by using grants such as these to upgrade 12 Community Hubs. Other not-for-profit organisations, such as sporting and community groups, can also access these grants to upgrade local facilities.”

New funding rounds for the following three energy efficiency programs opened today:

• Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP): a $200 million program to help local government and not-for-profit and organisations undertake energy efficiency upgrades to community infrastructure such as council buildings and recreation centres.


• Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP): a $100 million program to demonstrate smarter energy use and provide practical advice and assistance to low income households across Australia.


• Energy Efficiency Information Grants (EEIG): a $40 million program to support small and medium sized businesses and community groups by providing tailored information and advice on how to save energy and cut costs with smarter energy choices.

“Today, I encourage all eligible applicants to apply. The government is committed to promoting better energy efficiency – it saves money, cuts pollution and improves our living standards at home and in the community. These are the benefits of moving towards a clean energy future,” said Ms Brodtmann.

The guidelines for each of these programs are now available and applications open on the 30 October. To find out more about the package of energy efficiency programs visit: www.climatechange.gov.au