Participation grants will support and accommodate advocates engagement in government processes, regulatory and policy reviews, and projects targeting the energy sector as a whole.

The Participation Grants program funds projects that target system change on a small scale, either through engagement in regulatory or policy decision processes or through small, targeted research projects that investigate a system barrier in the energy system.

The maximum grant amount available for projects in each stream is $20,000 (ex-GST).

There are two streams within the Program:

• Stream 1: Regulatory engagement
• Stream 2: Small research projects

The program funds projects that are:

• Small in scale - with targeted objectives, modest budgets, and a clear, achievable scope.
• Research-focused - producing new evidence, data, or insights that strengthen advocacy.
• Consumer-centred - addressing issues that matter to energy consumers, particularly those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.
• Impact-oriented - designed with a clear pathway to influence advocacy, regulatory processes, or system change.

To be eligible you must be either:

• A not-for profit organisation within Australia, with a purpose or a mandate that permits you to carry out advocacy for household and small business energy consumers. This can include a social enterprise that is registered as a not-for-profit within Australia; or
• A bonafide research organisation with a public purpose.

All grants must be able to demonstrate benefits to households and small businesses in the jurisdictions of the National Energy Market (through its constitution, ECA is not able to provide grants to projects that are focusing on WA consumers).

Further requirements for all grantees:

• An Australian Business Number (ABN) A legal entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding funding agreement

• Email: grants@energyconsumersaustralia.com.au