Community Power Agency
$40,000 | May 2024
What do Community Power Agency do?
Community Power Agency (CPA) is driving a fair and fast transition to renewable energy by building social trust and community participation. Their work ensures that regional communities hosting renewable energy projects actively benefit from and support the shift, countering misinformation and backlash that threaten Australia’s decarbonisation targets.
Why is this work important?
Growing anti-renewables movements, misinformation campaigns, and regional opposition are delaying Australia’s transition to clean energy. Without trust and participation, renewable energy projects risk losing public support, further hindering efforts to meet decarbonisation goals. CPA bridges the gap between communities, policymakers, and industry, ensuring that the social aspects of energy projects are as prioritised as technical and financial considerations. Their work helps build a national narrative that renewables can deliver positive outcomes for all Australians.
How is Groundswell supporting this work?
Groundswell’s funding will strengthen CPA’s ability to advance its mission by:
Supporting advocacy for community-focused policies, such as Local Energy Hubs and renewable energy communications plans, that ensure host communities benefit from renewable projects.
Amplifying success stories through media campaigns like #DoingRenewablesBetter, while training regional leaders to counter misinformation and advocate for renewables.
Expanding CPA’s Socially Responsible Renewable Energy course, equipping policymakers and industry leaders with tools for best-practice community engagement and benefit-sharing.
Delivering on-the-ground support in regions like New England to address community concerns, foster collaboration, and boost local employment in the renewable energy sector.