Grants of up to $2.5m on offer as councils urged to go electric and efficient

Local governments are being invited to apply for grants of up to $2.5 million to electrify or improve the energy efficiency of public swimming pools, libraries and other community assets with the launch of a new federal government funding program.

Federal energy minister Chris Bowen on Thursday launched Round 1 of the $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund, a two-stage program that the government hopes could help unlock more than $200 million in high-impact energy upgrades.

“We want facilities that Australians know and love, like cricket grounds and local pools, to be able to make long overdue energy upgrades they need that will help them save on energy bills, freeing up funds for other critical community investment,” Bowen said.

“By co-funding energy upgrades, the Albanese government is delivering the long-term investments we need to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy for the long-term.”

The one-off grants ranging between $25,000 and $2.5 million will be available to councils across Australia, to invest in measures like replacing swimming pool heating systems with electric heat pumps, battery storage at sporting fields, and the installation of electric vehicle chargers for council fleets.

Assistant minister for climate and energy, Jenny McAllister, says the government is keen to support local councils, which have unique insight into the needs of their local communities and are on the front line of combating climate change.

“By helping local governments decarbonise their operations, these projects can help drive the installation of energy efficiency and electrification technology across the economy and make a real difference on the path to net zero,” McAllister said.

“Our government wants to make every watt count and this investment is part of the government’s $1.7 billion Energy Savings Package to help households, businesses and community facilities save energy and money.”

The fund is part of federal Labor’s $1.7 billion Energy Savings Package.

Round 1 applications are open until 30 April 2024, with grants to be awarded on merit after close of application. Grant guidelines and applications are available here.