Energy4Seniors Program
Energy4Seniors was a community education program delivered across Queensland by older people, for older people, funded by the Queensland Government.
It was built on a simple idea: when practical advice comes from peers, it is trusted and acted on.
Through local sessions, roadshows, webinars and volunteer Energy Champions, thousands of older Queenslanders gained confidence to:
- Understand their energy bills.
- Access concessions and rebates.
- Compare and choose tariffs.
- Register essential medical equipment.
- Avoid scams and misinformation.
The program was not delivered to older people.
It was delivered with them.
Energy4Seniors has now concluded, but its impact continues through the knowledge shared, the conversations started and the community leaders it supported.
Guides
Little Book of Savings
A practical guide to help older Queenslanders understand their energy bills, access concessions and rebates, and take simple steps to reduce household energy costs.
Smart Meters Guide
A clear guide helping older Queenslanders understand smart meters, how they work, why they are being introduced, and what they may mean for electricity use and energy bills.
Webinars
Energy4Seniors Webinar 1: Energy Concessions and Support
Learn about energy concessions, rebates and support for older Queenslanders, and check if you receive all your entitlements.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 2: How the Energy Ombudsman Can Help
Understand the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland and how they help resolve energy complaints and issues.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 3: Financial Support for Energy Bills
Discover financial assistance, hardship programs and supports available to help Queensland households manage electricity costs.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 4: Energy Efficiency at Home
Learn simple ways to reduce energy use while maintaining comfort, health and wellbeing at home, helping lower electricity bills.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 5: Home Energy Audits Explained
Find out how home energy audits work and how they can help improve efficiency and reduce household costs.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 6: Smart Meters – Myths and Facts
Learn what smart meters do, how they work and what they may mean for electricity bills, tariffs and managing energy use.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 7: Understanding Your Electricity Bill
Learn how to read your electricity bill, understand key charges and explore ways to compare plans and reduce bills.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 8: What Smart Meters Really Do
Explore how smart meters operate, what information they collect and how they may influence electricity plans and energy use.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 9: Powerlink and Queensland’s Grid
Learn about Powerlink’s role in Queensland’s electricity network and how transmission infrastructure supports energy supply.
Energy4Seniors Webinar 10: Embedded Networks Explained
Understand embedded electricity networks, where they are used and what they mean for residents in shared communities.
What We Heard from Energy4Seniors Participants Across Queensland
I have been able to pass the information I have learned on to my children.
Saved me about $200 a quarter.
These information sessions are very valuable to keep seniors informed of any changes.
Having the knowledge on how to be more efficient has had impact on confidence with energy use.
Obtained rebate for charging an electronic wheelchair. Look forward for next session.
I am glad that this information has taken place for seniors. I am also sure that there must be a lot of seniors unaware of this program.
Our Impact Across Queensland
- Energy4Seniors reached communities from Cairns to Warwick and well beyond.
- Reached over 39,000 older Queenslanders.
- 41 Volunteer Energy Champions trained.
- 8 Energy Educators.
- 564 information sessions delivered.
- 57 expos attended.
- 8 regional roadshows, reaching more than 11,000 people.
- Hosted a 10-part webinar series.
- Distributed 104,800 hard copy resources.
Behind every number is a conversation, a question answered, and someone feeling more confident about their energy use.
Where We Have Been
Through the volunteers, sessions, roadshows, expos and partner events the project reached the following local council areas:
- Brisbane.
- Bundaberg.
- Cairns.
- Cassowary Coast.
- Charters Towers.
- Fraser Coast.
- Gladstone.
- Gold Coast.
- Gympie.
- Hinchinbrook.
- Ipswich.
- Logan.
- Mackay.
- Moreton Bay.
- Noosa.
- Redland.
- Rockhampton.
- Scenic Rim.
- Southern Downs.
- Sunshine Coast.
- Tablelands.
- Toowoomba.
- Townsville.
- Whitsunday.
Volunteer Energy Champion Spotlights
At the heart of Energy4Seniors are our Volunteer Energy Champions.
These are older Queenslanders who stepped forward to support their communities. They were trained, supported and equipped with practical tools, then shared that knowledge across the community.
We extend our sincere thanks to our Consumer Advisory Group members, which included older energy and consumer advocates, our industry partners Energy Queensland Limited, Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland and community partner Uniting VT and our delivery partner The Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV).
Energy4Seniors was proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Enable Grant Program, whose support made this initiative possible.