The Minns Labor Government has launched a new $5 million grant program to help community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations help more households to cut energy costs, adopt renewable technologies and access government rebates and incentives.
The Community Energy Activation Program will provide funding of up to $600,000 to eligible organisations to help boost local energy initiatives.
These groups already play a critical role in harnessing community enthusiasm and driving change through targeted education and personalised guidance. The new grants will extend that work to more households, by upscaling existing programs or designing and delivering new energy saving initiatives that best suit their communities' needs.
Funding will support activities such as:
- community education workshops
- face-to-face sessions offering guidance tailored to individual needs
- adapting and delivering existing energy education initiatives to a wider audience
- development of digital tools or resources that help consumers find energy solutions
- dedicated staff roles to deliver trusted local guidance and support
- development of marketing and communication materials to reach households
- delivering other innovative or alternative activities that address community needs.
These grants show the Minns Labor Government delivering another action in its landmark Consumer Energy Strategy, which places people and communities at the heart of the energy transition.
Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations that support NSW household energy consumers are eligible to apply. Applications will close at 5pm, Monday 16 February 2026.
Interested groups can attend an online webinar at 11am, Tuesday 9 December.
To apply for a grant or register for a webinar, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-local-organisations/programs-grants-and-schemes/community-energy-activation-program.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
"We know households want more support from trusted sources to make the switch to smarter, more efficient energy solutions that lower household bills.
"That's why we're launching the Community Energy Activation Program to tap into trusted local networks that can bridge the gap for consumers by connecting them with energy information and a range of NSW Government programs.
"These groups help energy users in a meaningful way, often with only volunteers, so this funding will create more opportunities for households to get free, credible guidance to reap the benefits of renewable energy."
