Local governments can now apply for grants to improve their energy efficiency through the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.
The Community Energy Upgrades Fund is a merit-based grant program that aims to help local governments to deliver energy upgrades and lower their greenhouse emissions and energy bills.
The program will provide $100 million of co-funding over 2 rounds for energy efficiency, demand flexibility and electrification upgrades at local government facilities. Up to $50 million in funding is available in round 1.
Local governments can apply for grants to make a range of improvements, such as:
replacing gas heating systems in council pools with electric heat pumps
installing energy efficient lighting or battery storage at sporting fields, libraries and community centres
installing solar panels
installing electric vehicle chargers for council fleets
upgrades to air-conditioning controls in community buildings.
Round 1 of the program is now open and will close on 30 April 2024. Applications will be assessed on merit after the round closes. Applicants are encouraged to make full use of the application window to submit high-quality grant applications.
Grants of between $25,000 and $2.5 million will be awarded to successful applicants.
Round 1 grant guidelines and applications are now available on business.gov.au
