More good new for the clean energy future of Australia. And its not only the industry which is set to benefit from this. Small to medium size business as well as community organisations, households and government sectors will all have the opportunity to take advantage of the new Australian Governmen Energy Effeciency Programs.
The Gillard Government announce the opening of the programs and innitiatives on Thursday and encouraged Australians to work towards a clean energy future.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet, and the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean, and Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus made a joint statement about the programs goal of making it easier for regional communities and smaller councils to access assistance and support through the changes towards a clean energy future.
The Clean Energy Future Plan includes:
Community Energy Efficiency Program – $200 million
To assist not-for-profit and community organisations and local government sectors to upgrade their infrastructure using energy efficient technology such as solar hot water systems, LED lighting and Insulation. Renewable energy generation systems such as solar panels and wind power systems are not eligible for this program.
Low Income Energy Efficiency Program – $100 million
To give support to service providers with the aim to trial and evaluate a number of different approaches in various locations that assist low income households to be more energy efficient.
Energy Efficiency Information Grants program – $40 million
The Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program is a program established by the Commonwealth Government to assist industry associations and non profits provide practical, tailored energy efficiency information to small and medium enterprises and community organisations.
“The programs will enable all Australians regardless of where they live or how much they earn to harness the opportunities of a low carbon future. They will be delivered in partnership with business, councils and community groups,” reads part of the statement.
Applications open on February 13 and the guidelines for each of these programs are now available via the links above.
