AusNet recently announced that 24 recipients will receive over $650,000 in grants from AusNet's Energy Resilience Community Fund.

Three of the recipients, based in Bass Coast, are Free 3D Hands, Kilcunda Community Association and the Kernot General Store.

Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the  Energy Resilience Community Fund was created to enable projects that will build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during the recovery phase of severe weather events which significantly impact the network.

AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following the storms in February this year.

Eighteen Energy Resilience Grants have been awarded, totalling close to $535,000, while six Energy Education and Literacy Grants of over $116,000 have also been provided.

Bass Coast Grants

Free 3D Hands received $11,800 to upgrade its existing solar and battery infrastructure, to allow it to provide access to phone and device charging points and Starlink guest internet for residents during power outages.

Kernot General Store, in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council received $49,000 to install island able solar panels and battery storage, which will allow the store to provide essential services during power outages.

In Kilcunda the Community Association is working to install solar power panels at the community hall, and with assistance from Bass Coast Shire Council a solar battery and satellite internet connection, to create a community emergency centre. The AusNet grant will fund a diesel generator to provide power when solar generation is insufficient, allowing the community to access cooking, heating and cooling.

Applications for AusNet's next round of Energy Resilience Grants and Energy Education and Literacy Grants open November 27.
www.ausnetservices.com.au/about-us/community/energy-resilience-community-fund