The Victorian Government is set to assist community organisations across the State to reduce their energy costs and help drive down emissions.
Eighty-eight community groups from across Victoria will receive grants to improve or install solar and renewable energy batteries to enhance the energy efficiency of their facilities and save nearly $900,000 a year on energy costs, according to an announcement made today by Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio.
“We’re giving community groups like kindergartens, sports clubs and cultural groups the opportunity to reduce their energy costs by upgrading their facilities with simple switches which save money and slash emissions,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
According to Minister D’Ambrosio, by updating their facilities with inexpensive switches that minimise energy costs and emissions, the State Government is providing community organisations like kindergartens, sports teams, and cultural organisations with the chance to lower their energy expenditures.
The State Government has allocated $1.8 million to the Community Climate Change and Energy Action (CCCEA) program, which assists community groups in lowering their energy expenses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The improvements include switching to solar power with battery backup, replacing ageing air conditioners, moving to LED lighting, and constructing effective electric hot water systems. Many Victorian community organisations cannot afford these long-term adjustments, the State Government said.
One of the organisations that received funding was the Boronia Bowls Club, which used more than $24,000 to make several energy-efficient improvements, including installing a 15kW solar system, upgrading the lighting, switching from evaporative cooling and gas heating to an effective electric system, and replacing inefficient refrigeration.
“Congratulations to Boronia Bowls Club – one of 88 organisations who will slash energy bills and help us halve Victoria’s emissions by 2030 thanks to our Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program,” Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor said.
Through the program, a total of $3 million will be invested to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency for community organisations, resulting in yearly bill savings of $1.2 million and a reduction in glasshouse gas emissions by over 4,400 tonnes.
The CCCEA program provided over $1.16 million in funding in 2021 for community organisations to upgrade their energy infrastructure or carry out an energy assessment. Savings from this have already totalled $300,000.
