Power People Project expands to help more Tasmanians build energy confidence

THE ‘Power People Project’ is an energy literacy program designed to help Tasmanian energy users increase their knowledge and confidence with managing costs and making informed decisions.

Following a successful trial, and with additional support from the Tasmanian Government, Aurora Energy and TasNetworks will broaden the reach of the Power People Project through new community partnerships, professional development opportunities and enhanced learning resources.

More than 1,000 Tasmanians have already benefited from the program with over 60 community energy literacy sessions delivered by trained volunteers from the Tasmanian Men's Shed Association.

Building on this success, the next phase of the project will extend its reach to community service organisations, frontline workers and local community groups across the state. The expanded program will include:

• New energy literacy resources focused on practical energy efficiency and reducing household energy costs. 
• Professional development sessions for frontline community service workers supporting vulnerable Tasmanians.
• An online energy literacy learning platform.
• Expansion of the successful train-the-trainer model to new community networks.
• Increased awareness and access to trusted energy information through statewide communications and engagement activities.

The expanded program has already been tested and positively received by community organisations such as the Hobart City Mission with Program Lead of Growing Together, Jess, finding the new energy literacy resources have triggered lots of conversations on how vulnerable Tasmanians can better manage their energy use.

"Energy literacy is becoming increasingly important as cost-of-living pressures continue to grow. Through the Power People Project, we have helped the people we support get more information on their energy use that can help them save money and stay warm during Winter.”

Aurora Energy Chief Executive Officer Nigel Clark said the Power People Project is making a real difference by helping Tasmanians better understand energy and identify ways to reduce costs.

"The Power People Project has shown that when people have access to clear, practical and trusted information, they feel more confident making decisions about their energy use and are better placed to manage their household costs,” he said.
TasNetworks Interim Chief Executive Officer Renée Anderson said partnerships were central to the project's success and impact.

"By expanding the program and equipping more community leaders and frontline workers with practical energy knowledge, we're helping ensure more people can access information that empowers them to make informed decisions, reduce energy waste and get the most value from the energy they use."

The Tasmanian Government's support will help accelerate delivery of the expanded program over the next two years, enabling the development of new resources and training opportunities that align with Tasmania's broader energy resilience and emissions reduction objectives.

Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said the initiative aligns closely with the Government's commitment to helping Tasmanians reduce energy costs and make informed decisions in a changing energy landscape.

"This investment supports the expansion of a proven program that is already delivering positive outcomes across Tasmania,” he said.

"As Tasmania continues its renewable energy journey, initiatives such as the Power People Project play an important role in ensuring people have the knowledge and confidence to navigate energy choices and improve their household’s energy efficiency."

Aurora Energy and TasNetworks will continue to fund and deliver the Power People Project, with the Tasmanian Government's support enabling the initiative to reach more communities and strengthen its impact across the state.

For more information about the Power People Project, visit powerpeople.com.au

Image