The Australian Energy Foundation is leading the way to an equitable zero carbon society. We accelerate the energy transition by empowering communities to take action. Through our energy expertise, tenacity, and partnerships, we:
– Demonstrate the pathways to a zero carbon society.
– Influence and inspire to build understanding, investment and action.
– Deliver solutions that have a positive impact.
We are practical visionaries; a national for-purpose organisation whose work benefits all Australians. In 2000 we started as a grass roots organisation. Now we have grown to be a national organisation that works in partnership with all levels of government, the energy industry, academia and social good organisations to have a positive impact across Australia. Our vision is that all Australians have access to the affordable and clean energy they need to be healthy, have meaningful work, maintain financial stability, connect with their community, prosper through continuous learning, and live in a thriving natural environment. It is a society where everyone uses energy from 100% renewable sources. But currently more than 240,000 Australians are experiencing energy poverty, including over 200,000 children. Large, low income families in public and social housing in our big cities are the most exposed. Indigenous communities are also amongst the hardest hit.1
In order to achieve our vision, we work in partnership with all levels of society, from government, to business, to academia and community based organisations. In recent years we have worked with Federal organisations, agencies and government departments, such as Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), ARENA, and the Department of Energy and Water Supply. In Victoria, we deliver projects with several State Government departments and agencies and we are building relationships with State Governments in NSW.
What we do
The Australian Energy Foundation accelerates the energy transition by empowering communities to take action. We test ideas, gather evidence and bring partners together to find effective solutions that can be scaled nationally. We help communities to access affordable and renewable energy. And we ensure that these communities play a meaningful part in this transition.
What does that look like?
The Australian Energy Foundation demonstrates the pathways to a zero carbon society by incubating innovative ideas, testing new solutions and sharing our learnings so that all society benefits. For example, our solar power for apartments and renters pilot project, and the Ovida Community Energy Hub Microgrid. The Australian Energy Foundation influences and advises through thought leadership to provoke discussion, increase awareness and understanding, and inspire investment and action towards an equitable zero carbon society. We share our evidence and expertise, and we bring people together to find the best solutions. For example, our Spark! Conference. The Australian Energy Foundation delivers solutions that benefit society and show how effective action is achievable. In partnership with government, we co-design and deliver community-wide Zero Carbon Strategies and Action Plans. We lead and implement large scale programs, like Energy Smart. We educate, inform and inspire community action by working directly with communities, and through industry and government, such as Positive Charge. Our expertise means that government, community and the energy industry trust us to broker the right partnerships that work towards the best outcomes. The Australian Energy Foundation is the leading for-purpose national energy foundation that collaborates to create a zero carbon society and a better life for all Australians. 1. [KPMG (2017) The rise of energy poverty in Australia: Census Insights Series.
Updated information found on the group’s website in February 2022 at the link https://brighte.com.au/blog/aef-ceases-operation
Group now closed – statement shared on blog ‘After 21 years of providing energy advice, assistance and support, the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) has recently ceased operations. The AEF has played a leading role in Australia’s clean energy transition, partnering with both the private and public sectors to empower households, businesses and communities to take action to reduce emissions and embrace renewable energy. As a proud partner of AEF, we want to acknowledge the valuable work they have done to help pave the way to a more sustainable Australia. Brighte will continue this legacy, playing a role in bringing AEF’s vision of an equitable zero-carbon society to life by making a sustainable home affordable to everyone.
Statement from AEF:
With a heavy heart, we regret to announce that the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) will be closing operations. Our last day of business will be on 31 August 2022. In the past 21 years, AEF (formerly known as the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited) has developed into the leading for-purpose national energy foundation that forged partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders to create an equitable zero carbon society. Through the years, we have helped households, businesses and communities take action to reduce emissions and energy bills, and to improve their health and well-being. In the last five years alone, we have:
Educated, advised and supported almost 50,000 Australians to improve their energy use
Delivered close to 5,000 home energy efficiency retrofits
Facilitated installation of 17MW renewables resulting in 453kt CO2-e reduction
However, the impact from the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent turmoil in the energy market have posed unprecedented challenges to AEF, creating conditions that have made it difficult to continue delivering our programs and services. In this context, after an intensive period of deliberation, the AEF Board has decided to close operations as it has not been possible to secure the additional business and funding required to continue operations. What this means for existing customers: We will continue to deliver our services up until 31 August 2022. For our Energy Advice Service customers who have booked consultations with us or members of the public who have booked home energy assessments scheduled for before 31 August, please be assured that these sessions will go ahead.
Moving forward
As AEF’s chapter comes to a close, we hope that our partners, like-minded organisations and those who have previously engaged with us will build upon what we have achieved and continue to strive towards an equitable zero-carbon society. Our heartfelt thanks go to our past and present staff members who have made invaluable contributions over the past 21 years, as well as all our partners, clients and customers who have given us your support and worked with us to accelerate the energy transition.