Essential Energy grants available

Essential Communities
At Essential Energy we look after the poles and wires that deliver electricity to 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland.
The electricity we deliver powers the homes, hospitals, schools, businesses and services that form our communities.
But we’re more than poles and wires. We’re also about empowering local groups who contribute so much to their communities. Our Essential Communities Program aims to support these community groups across our network area through a range of funding opportunities, including our new Essential Grants program.
FUNDING TO SUPPORT IDEAS FROM SOLAR PANELS TO EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND MORE
Grants of up to $15,000 are available for community projects that provide a positive social and environmental impact across regional, rural and remote NSW.
The Essential Grants program helps support communities to build a sustainable future through programs, projects and events that align with initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience, or the energy transition.
Examples could include creating community gardens, assisting with solar and battery installations on community buildings, implementing a waste reduction program, or funding workshops that help communities improve energy efficiency and electrification in homes and businesses.
Essential Energy Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Annie Pearson says the program aims to spark change by supporting communities to make a difference and provide a positive social impact.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful investment into communities and surrounding areas. It only takes one idea to create something truly incredible that has a long-lasting impact in your community,” Annie says.
Essential Grants are open to not-for-profit organisations delivering benefits to local communities in the Essential Energy network area. This includes community groups and service providers, registered charities, and other not-for-profit organisations.
Since 2018, Essential Energy has contributed more than $1 million to over 1500 community groups through the previous Community Choices and Community Halls programs. The Essential Grants program continues this support, focusing on initiatives that align with Essential Energy’s corporate and sustainability strategies.
Applications open on 3 February 2025 and close on 31 March 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the Essential Grants page.