Clean Energy Future

Councils around Australia are being encouraged to work towards a clean energy future with the help of a Government initiative designed to break down the barriers to investing in energy efficiency.

The Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) is one of a suite of initiatives that encourage local governments and non-profit community organisations to adopt better energy management practices.

CEEP aims to increase the energy efficiency of different types of non-residential council and community use buildings, facilities and lighting arrays.

The benefits of the CEEP extend beyond energy efficiency, with projects demonstrating and encouraging the adoption of improved energy management practices within the broader community.

Examples of activities eligible for CEEP funding include upgrades or retrofits that use geothermal energy for heating and upgrading street lights to solar.

Round two of the program opened on 30 October 2012, with eligible organisations able to apply for grants up until 7 February 2013. This round will have a greater emphasis on providing assistance to regional and rural councils, as well as councils in low socio-economic and other disadvantaged areas.

The first round of the program funded 63 projects across 52 local councils and 11 non-profit organisations, to the value of $42 million. Projects included upgrades to residential street lighting and improvements to the energy efficiency of local buildings, facilities and sites.

The energy efficiency improvements achieved through the CEEP are part of the Government’s efforts to move towards a clean energy future and will assist councils in getting the greatest value from their energy resources.