Clean Energy Future

Communities 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 allow communities, through merit-based grants, to improve the energy efficiency of their local buildings, facilities and sites.

Round two of the program opened on 30 October 2012, with eligible organisations able to apply for grants up until 7 February next year.

The CEEP provides funding to local governing bodies and non-profit community organisations, encouraging them to adopt better energy management practices.

“For regional communities and smaller councils, the second round of CEEP grants will make it easier to access assistance for projects that benefit low socio-economic and other disadvantaged communities, especially in rural and regional areas,” Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus said.

A wide range of high quality proposals were received in the first round of the program, with 63 projects receiving funding. The successful projects varied from energy efficiency upgrades of heritage listed buildings to installing new street lighting and tri-generation projects.

The energy efficiency improvements achieved through the CEEP will complement the assistance provided under the Clean Energy Future package and assist the community in getting the greatest value from energy resources.