AGL is partnering with leading South Australian community services organisation Uniting Communities to provide home energy audits and possible appliance replacements to AGL hardship customers in Adelaide to help them manage their energy and reduce their consumption.

Chief Customer Officer Melissa Reynolds said AGL had identified customers in Adelaide on its hardship program with the greatest need for assistance with their energy and contacted them via SMS to offer them the opportunity to participate in the energy audit and appliance replacement program.

“Trained energy advisors from Uniting Communities are visiting the homes of eligible customers in Adelaide to perform an audit on how efficiently they use energy and determine if any of their appliances need to be replaced,” she said.

“Old or inefficient electrical appliances can make a significant contribution to energy costs and, for customers with tight budgets, replacing them with new appliances can make a big difference. The program extends beyond traditional appliances to include curtains, blinds, mats and draught seals.

“We are funding fund up to $1,000 of the cost of replacing old, broken or inefficient appliances and other energy-related items if the energy advisors identify that a customer is eligible. The success of the program will determine whether we broaden it.”

The appliances may include: 

“We acknowledge that energy affordability is a critical concern and are committed to helping address it. Reducing consumption is a key way of managing household energy spending, but low-income can restrict the capacity of vulnerable households to upgrade their appliances or make other energy efficiency improvements. Through this program we are taking action to help customers, particularly vulnerable customers, manage their energy consumption and costs,” Ms Reynolds said.

“The home energy audit and appliance replacement program is just one of a number of affordability initiatives which we have underway or in development to assist customers who have difficulty paying their energy bills.”

Uniting Communities Chief Executive Simon Schrapel said: ”Our organisation has a long history of advocating for energy affordability for South Australians. We work with many people who are living on low incomes and struggling to make ends meet, so it will be very beneficial for them to learn about ways that they lower their utilities costs. Further, as a carbon neutral organisation, we are committed to addressing the effects of climate change, particularly for those who will be most affected by it – our clients – and this program supports our vision.”

About AGL
AGL is committed to helping shape a sustainable energy future for Australia. We operate the country’s largest electricity generation portfolio, we’re its largest ASX-listed investor in renewable energy, and we have more than 3.6 million customer accounts. Proudly Australian, with more than 180 years of experience, we have a responsibility to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy for our customers. Our aim is to prosper in a carbon-constrained world and build customer advocacy as our industry transforms. That’s why we have committed to exiting our coal-fired generation by 2050 and why we will continue to develop innovative solutions for our customers.


About Uniting
Communities Uniting Communities works across South Australia through more than 90 community service programs, including: aged care, disability, youth services, homelessness intervention, financial counselling, legal services and family counselling. Their team of 1400 staff and volunteers support and engage with more than 20,000 South Australians each year, striving to build strong and supportive communities, and help people live the best lives they can.
www.unitingcommunities.org