The Energy Resilience Community Fund has now closed
The Energy Resilience Community Fund (ERCF) was established after the severe storms of February 2024 to help communities across AusNet’s electricity distribution network recover and prepare for extreme weather, prolonged outages and other disruptions.
The ERCF supported 156 community-led projects in 20 local government areas. These included 134 community energy resilience hubs, back-up power for essential small businesses and mobile assets, and 22 energy education and literacy programs. Funding supported solar and battery systems, generators, electrical upgrades, communications equipment, mobile kitchens, showers and other practical assets. Education initiatives strengthened local knowledge and preparedness, for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young people and people experiencing vulnerability.
AusNet provided the funding, but communities led and delivered the projects. Community organisations, councils, emergency services, Traditional Owners and essential small businesses know their risks and strengths and local needs, designing solutions for their places and people. Their leadership created trusted spaces where people can gather, charge devices, access information, refrigerate food and medicines, connect to Wi-Fi and coordinate support during outages and emergencies.
The benefits extend beyond supporting communities through outages and emergencies. Solar and batteries are reducing energy costs and emissions, helping community facilities redirect savings into local services. Mobile assets can support neighbouring communities, while hubs can continue to operate during important and everyday community events.
