Independent candidate for Cowper, Caz Heise, is calling for the establishment of a federally funded Local Energy Hub in Cowper to help local households, farms and small businesses cut power bills, reduce emissions, and take advantage of the shift to cleaner, cheaper energy.

The Hub would operate as a trusted outreach centre, staffed by local energy experts who provide face-to-face advice and connect people with grants, installers and proven solutions.

Caz stated, “People want to make their homes more affordable, efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels - but they don’t know where to start. The energy system is confusing, and information is often fragmented, biased, or hard to access. 

“A Local Energy Hub in Cowper would provide clear, practical advice, connect people with funding options, and make it easier to cut bills and electrify our homes and businesses.”

A  Local Energy Hub would:

• Offer free or discounted energy audits, helping people understand where to start and what upgrades offer the best bang for buck

• Provide trusted advice on insulation, heat pumps, solar, batteries, EVs and appliance upgrades

• Connect locals with reputable products and installers to avoid shoddy work or bad deals

• Help people access grants, rebates, and green finance options 

• Support renters and low-income households to access upgrades and energy savings

• Host outreach events and workshops across the region

• Support community energy projects and ensure locals benefit from large-scale renewables in our area

This model builds on existing local council and community programs in towns like Hay, Narrabri and Mitchell (to name a few), that provide relevant and independent information and advice on renewable energy, from trusted locals. 

These programs demonstrate the huge potential benefits to regional communities offered by a properly funded network of Local Energy Hubs.

Local support

Stuart Watson, the Chairperson from Energy Forever said, "As the former owner of a business committed to sustainability, I wholeheartedly support the idea of a Local Energy Hub in Cowper.

“This initiative will empower residents to make informed decisions about their energy use. Saving money, creating local jobs and lowering emissions. 

“With our region facing the impacts of climate change, it's vital that we provide accessible resources and guidance to help households and businesses transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.  A Local Energy Hub will not only reduce power bills but also foster local job creation and strengthen our community's resilience."

National campaign

Spokesperson for the national Local Energy Hubs campaign, Pat Simons, welcomed the call for a Cowper hub and said dozens of other communities across regional Australia are pushing for the same.

“We have an opportunity right now to ensure Australia’s shift to renewables delivers local, long-term benefits for regional communities,” Mr Simons said.

“People are ready to make changes, but they need someone they can talk to - someone local and trustworthy who can explain what options exist, help navigate complex government programs, and show how to cut power bills 

The national Local Energy Hubs campaign is advocating for funding to roll out hubs in 50 regional communities. Further information is available at: www.localenergyhubs.org.au.

Statements attributed to Caz Heise 

“Communities deserve a seat at the table and a better deal in the energy transition,” 

“We know power prices are being driven up by corporate price gouging and market failures. A Local Energy Hub would give our community the tools to take back control - lowering bills, reducing emissions, and creating local jobs in the process.”

“We need to cut power bills and climate pollution. Local Energy Hubs are a practical way to do both.”