Community Energy Activation Program

To be eligible applicants must be one of the following:

• an Australian based not-for-profit organisation (NFP), established with the purpose or mandate to advocate on behalf of household energy consumers and/or to promote consumer energy benefit through community energy initiatives. This includes:
  • recognised peak bodies
  • social enterprises registered as not-for-profits within Australia, or
  • research organisations with a public purpose.
• a Community Energy Group, meaning an organisation whose purpose includes initiating or implementing community energy projects, independently, or in partnership with others.

Collaborative applications are encouraged.

Two or more organisations can partner to deliver a project. One organisation (‘lead applicant’) must apply on behalf of all partners and will enter into a funding agreement with the NSW Government.

All applicants must:

• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding funding agreement
• be financially solvent (this will be verified as part of eligibility checks)
• deliver activities within NSW that directly and exclusively benefit NSW energy consumers
• hold a current Public Liability Insurance policy of at least $20 million.

Note: Any individual or entity - whether internal staff or volunteers, externally engaged personnel, or recruited contractors - intending to conduct consumer guidance or recommendation activities must:

• Be appropriately equipped and authorised to deliver such guidance and recommendations, with access to personnel possessing sufficient expertise to do so competently; and
• Hold a current Professional Indemnity Insurance policy (with an amount not less than $5 million with respect to any one claim) and have suitable risk mitigation strategies in place.

(Refer to section 1.5 of the program guidelines for further details.)

The CEAP supports community energy organisations and not-for-profit groups that help households and communities across NSW take control of their energy use.

Funded projects should deliver direct benefits to local consumers by:

• connecting them with trusted energy guidance and support
• linking them to NSW Government rebates, incentives and programs.

These projects help communities become better informed, reduce energy costs, and actively participate in the renewable energy transition.

Funding is available for projects that educate, empower and connect NSW communities with energy-saving opportunities. Eligible activities may include:

1. Community education and engagement

• Running energy education sessions, information stalls or workshops at local community events, e.g. Parent and Citizen Associations, Rotary, Probus clubs, garden clubs, council events, etc.

  Note: logistical costs such as catering, hall hire or transport are capped at 10% of the total grant

• Adapting or extending existing energy education/guidance initiatives to engage new and diverse audiences
• Developing and sharing tailored resources that address local needs or barriers to participation.

2. Expert guidance and support

Providing one-on-one or group energy guidance on topics such as energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, virtual power plants and microgrids. Additional eligibility criteria apply to this activity (see program guidelines)

3. Partnerships and capacity building

• Forming or strengthening partnerships with councils, community groups or local service providers to expand reach and impact.
• Working with consultants or partners to upskill staff and volunteers, ensuring knowledge transfer so the work can continue beyond the funding period.
• Developing a service, tool or initiative that helps consumers access energy-saving products and services tailored to their needs and budgets.

Funding can be used on:

• suitably experienced staff or consultants to deliver funded activities, particularly where they bring specialist knowledge or skills that enhance the organisation’s capacity.
• producing communication materials approved by the NSW Government to support outreach activities, including design, printing and publication costs (funding limitations apply).
• supporting renewable energy-related initiatives that would not otherwise occur without the funding for this program or expand existing efforts to a wider audience.
• Up to 150 km of motor vehicle travel may be covered by the grant; any travel exceeding this distance requires prior approval from the department. The amount claimed must align with the rates and record-keeping requirements set by Revenue NSW, as outlined at Motor vehicle allowances and payroll tax | Revenue NSW. This applies to motor vehicle travel only (not air or rail) and excludes any accommodation or meal costs.

Note: Funding does not cover capital purchases or installation, but it can be used to support the negotiation and formalisation of arrangements that enable consumers to access these solutions in ways that suit their needs and budgets.

Successful applicants must deliver their projects within the timeframe of May 2026 to April 2029. All funded activities must be completed within this timeframe, as outlined in the funding deed.

The project should be started by 1 May 2026 and the project must be completed by 30 April 2029.

The following are not eligible to apply:

• individuals, sole traders or businesses
• local councils
• government agencies
• energy product suppliers and retailers
• organisations deemed financially insolvent
• unincorporated associations
• organisations that do not operate in NSW or are based overseas.

Funding cannot be used for:

• broad awareness campaigns or materials without direct community engagement
• activities not directly linked to energy-saving outcomes or primarily related to other projects
• direct financial or service support to small businesses or commercial entities - The program is designed to support energy consumers and households, not to subsidise or provide direct assistance to commercial operations. However, applicants may engage with businesses or commercial entities where this helps facilitate lower energy costs or improved outcomes for household energy consumers.
• business-as-usual activities (e.g., staff who are not working on the project, rent or utilities)
• capital purchases or infrastructure (e.g., solar systems, batteries or appliances, bulk or otherwise)
• ongoing operational or maintenance (e.g., software licenses, lease/loan payments, vehicle expenses)
• expenses incurred before the funding deed is signed
• repayment of debts or budget deficits
• conference attendance costs, travel, or unrelated staff training
• activities that are delivered outside NSW and do not benefit NSW communities.

Applicants must provide a minimum 10% co-contribution towards the total project cost. This can be met through a financial contribution, in-kind support, or a combination of both.

In-kind contribution to support project delivery may include: 

• volunteer hours
• venue hire
• use of existing resources, equipment or tools.

Contributions must be reasonable, verifiable, valued at fair market rates and observe the cost caps noted in the program guidelines.

Providing more than the minimum 10% co-contribution may improve your application’s competitiveness and demonstrate greater value for money.

A record must be kept to verify contributions, such as: 

• ​timesheets for volunteer hours  
• ​receipts  
• ​rental comparisons for space  
• ​quotes or invoices for services.