Voices for Power

The Voices for Power program aims to increase energy literacy across Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities and spread important savings and safety information. An industry partnership between Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Jemena, the program is now entering its second year.

Here, we chat to our Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Leanne Pickering, about the program, its goals and what we’ve achieved so far.

1. Could you tell us more about the Voices for Power program?

The Voices for Power program brings together communities to support their understanding of energy safety, sustainability and financial savings. Through a specialist train-the-trainer program, communities are taught in their language by a member of their community. Leaders from our local Tongan, Fijian, Filipino, Arabic-speaking, South Asian, Chinese and Nepalese communities are involved in the program.

Community groups are invited to attend workshops to help their understanding of energy bills, how to negotiate a better deal for themselves and to learn who to call about an energy safety issue.

2. Why is the program so important?

In Western Sydney alone, there are more than 150 languages spoken. By providing workshops in different languages we hope to make sure all members of the community have access to this important information.

As the energy transition progresses, we particularly want to ensure that all customers are included, and no-one is left behind.

Over the years I have met people from our community who don’t understand the energy system and don’t feel confident contacting their retailer. The Voices for Power program is changing this and making sure all customers can access important energy saving and safety information.

By collaborating across the energy sector and partnering with the Sydney Alliance we have been able to provide a truly effective program that supports communities to save power and make sustainable and safe energy changes within their home.

3. What has the program achieved so far?

Participants in the program gain knowledge, skills and confidence to take action. Following the workshops, almost all participants make both energy saving and safety improvements around their homes.

People who take part also increase their knowledge of energy safety as well as their confidence contacting their retailer about payment support or to negotiate a better deal.

It is estimated these crucial sessions have so far reached 630 people in the community with significant real-world outcomes.

To find out more or get involved visit Voices for Power — Sydney Alliance.