Last year many of you were involved in the Smart Energy Communities campaign leading up to the Federal Election. It might have been a while since you’ve heard from us, but don’t worry, we’ve been hard at work. We now have a huge opportunity to make sure community power gets the support and funding it needs to really take off in NSW.
The NSW Government will sign off on its plan to tackle climate change within weeks. The Climate Fund Plan will decided how $1.3b is spent. Community energy must get its share of the pie. We’re calling on the NSW Government to commit to funding the Smart Energy Community Program.
This program would see new and existing community energy projects (perhaps you’re involved in one) receive the advice, support, funding and expertise they (you) need to thrive.
Will you help us make sure the NSW Cabinet delivers for community power?
We know there are members of the NSW Cabinet who are enthusiastic supporters of community energy. Now is the time to make sure they take this support to Cabinet. Here’s what a few senior Government MPs have to say on the subject:
“We share your passion for community energy… Community energy is really exciting… it shares the benefits of renewables on a local scale… building community support for renewable energy and democratising our energy system”
- Rob Stokes MP, Education Minister
“If I can do only one thing – it is to have a genuine peer-to-peer energy scheme operating in this state. I say that because it just makes sense. I mean, duh. This is a way to get the second wave of community interest in PV solar and other renewables happening.”
- Adam Marshall MP, Tourism Minister
“I’d like to congratulate the community energy sector on its tremendous development over the past few years, know that you have a friend in the NSW Government”
- Ben Franklin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy
Community energy has been building huge momentum in NSW as more and more people recognise that it “just makes sense”. Now it’s time for the NSW Government to take the next step and commit to unlocking the enormous potential of the community power sector.
