The first Energy Western Australian Advocacy for Consumers of Energy (WA ACE) funding grants have been awarded, totalling almost $100,000 of funding.
The grants program supports projects that raise the voice of consumers in the energy sector.
The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) has been awarded $50,000 for their project, which will look at assisting households and small businesses experiencing utility hardship, particularly following the impacts of COVID-19.
WACOSS will provide an understanding of the causes and consequences of utility hardship experienced by Western Australian energy consumers, and will help find solutions for those facing mounting energy bills.
The second recipient, the Energy Transformation Association for the Kimberley, has been awarded $45,000 to develop a co-design platform to raise awareness and understanding of the energy needs of the Kimberley’s communities.
It is expected that their project will be used as a model for other communities in the state.
The outputs from these and other projects will inform advocacy activities in the energy sector and help guide the development of future energy policies.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “Congratulations to the successful applicants who are raising the voices of household and small business consumers in the energy sector.
“No household should be left behind, particularly our most vulnerable people that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The McGowan Government is pleased to support consumers during this important process and we will continue to make the consumer voice a priority through future WA ACE Grants.
“For those applicants that were unsuccessful, I encourage you to stay involved and continue to share your highly valued views.”
