Wollongong MP Paul Scully believes Illawarra will be at the centre of NSW’s clean industrial future following the launch of the NSW Government's $5 million Community Energy Activation Program.

Households across the Illawarra will be better supported to cut energy bills and take part in the state’s clean energy transition, according to Scully.

Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations in the Illawarra and across NSW can apply for grants up to $600,000 to scale up their work helping households adopt renewable technologies, access incentives and rebates, improve energy efficiency and navigate the switch to cleaner, smarter energy solutions.

Funding will support activities such as:

• community education workshops
• face-to-face sessions offering energy guidance tailored to individual needs
• adapting and delivering existing energy education initiatives to a wider audience
• development of digital tools or resources that help consumers find energy solutions
• dedicated staff roles to deliver trusted local guidance and support
• development of marketing and communication materials to reach households
• delivering other innovative or alternative activities that address specific needs of their local community.

“This program will help the community further embrace renewable energy and prepare to be home to the state’s first urban renewable energy zone," Scully said.

“Crucially it will help to better inform everyone in the Illawarra from community groups to businesses and individual households on renewables so we can all work together to lead the way for renewable energy generation in urban areas.”

The program builds on the early planning for the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone, to increase the capacity of community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations to help residents and play a stronger role in the REZ.

It will help residents better understand and adopt technologies such as rooftop solar, batteries, efficient appliances and home electrification, resources that will ultimately integrate into the evolving Illawarra energy system.

Applications for Community Energy Activation Program grants are now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 16 February.

Community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations that support NSW household energy consumers are encouraged to apply.

An online information webinar will be held at 11am on Tuesday 9 December.