Deadline: 30-Jul-21
Applications are invited for Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) Programme that focused on lifting people out of energy hardship.
The SEEC Programme will help build and expand the network of support services that can provide targeted, specialist energy advice to achieve warmer homes, and education and information on smart energy use that leads to lower energy bills.
The primary component of the programme is the SEEC Fund, which provides funding to expand the capacity of existing energy hardship initiatives, or for new pilot schemes. The funding is also for initiatives that build the capability of those who can directly help households in energy hardship. The fund is not available for start-up costs.
There is also an associated SEEC Equipment and Devices Fund. Providers can apply for this as part of their SEEC Fund application to get low-cost equipment (e.g. LED bulbs) and devices (e.g. sensors) to support the advice they provide to households in energy hardship.
Funding Information
- There is $1.65 million available through the second funding round in 2021/22. Applicants can seek funding of up to $200,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications for the SEEC Fund are open to organisations, groups and businesses that can work closely with households in energy hardship, or could expand their services to do so.
- This could include: community service providers, social enterprises, iwi support services, NGOs, businesses, community groups and budget advisory bodies.
- Training organisations can also apply for funding to deliver capability building services focused on helping households in energy hardship (e.g. energy efficiency advice and education).
- Applicants must be:
- Trusted: able to provide credible, independent, electricity-specific advice and support services.
- Connected: able to effectively reach eligible households or groups, especially those that are hard to reach and unaware help is available.
- Integrated: able to link with other relevant services and, where possible, leverage additional non-government funding.
Initiatives must be:
- Targeted: focused on helping households in energy hardship, primarily through home visits or hui.
- Measurable: able to be measured and monitored to show results.
For more information, visit https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-hardship/support-for-energy-education-in-communities-programme/