Energy security, disconnections, and community engagement on energy project development were the number one themes at the Network's inaugural First Nations Clean Energy Gathering in South Australia.

This study evaluates whether residential rooftop solar can serve as a preventative solution to energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households.

We found that solar leads to large, robust and salient reductions in five indicators of energy insecurity.

Moreover, the benefits of solar ‘spill over’ to improve a household’s ability to pay other energy bills.

The results suggest that rooftop solar may be an effective tool for policymakers who seek to reduce energy insecurity.

Authors: Yozwiak, M., Barbose, G., Carley, S. et al. The effect of residential solar on energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households. Nat Energy (2025)

Access the report here

Some 90% of First Nations who responded to a recent Heat Survey say their homes get too hot and they're struggling to afford their energy bills.

First Nations are also twice as likely as others surveyed to seek heat-related medical attention.

Distributed by ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service in partnership with the First Nations Energy Network and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA), the annual survey is tracking the intersection between heat, housing, energy costs, and people experiencing financial and social disadvantage.

The ACOSS final report states the situation facing First Nations people surveyed is worse on most indicators and must be prioritised for solutions.

Read the report here

Remote communities often receive significantly reduced levels of public services compared to the rest of Australia. In addition, often these communities are not connected to Australia’s interconnected electricity systems and are not covered by the same regulatory and policy frameworks designed to protect consumer interests. In particular, remote First Nations communities often receive lower public service levels and consumer protections to those provided to other parts of Australia.

For many remote First Nations communities, increasingly regular temperature and climatic extremes are exacerbating energy insecurity issues.

In addition to the issue of regulatory disparities, other arrangements for the current supply of electricity in remote First Nations communities means that members of these communities are unable to participate in and benefit from Australia’s energy transition - e.g. to access the economic
(and associated cultural, health, education and wellbeing) benefits associated with household solar and battery.

Our submission to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia’s Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security offers three recommendations, including:

1. Ensure the proper implementation and resourcing of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy so it can achieve its objectives, including through regular reporting at Energy Ministers’ meetings on the steps taken to implement the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and progress towards meeting its objectives.
2. Ensure that energy systems in First Nations communities are designed to best meet, at least cost to First Nations community members, the economic and social needs of First Nations community members - and which enables First Nations community members to participate in and benefit from Australia’s energy transition.
3. Ensure that First Nations community members/energy consumers in remote locations are protected by equivalent regulatory and policy frameworks that support and protect energy consumers in more populous parts of Australia.

Read our submission here

The impacts of extreme heat, flooding, cyclones and drought is adding to the health and economic pressures and energy insecurity experienced by First Nations families and communities.

Clean renewable energy is a huge opportunity and if done right, may address many of these issues.

This session asks, how can we self-determine and secure our energy future in a changing climate?

SPEAKERS: Heidi Norman, Leslie Schultz, Vanessa Napaltjarri Davis, Vonda Moar Malone, Graeme Gardner (Facilitator)

One of the themes at the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam from 22-25 April 2024 will be clean energy security for First Nations communities.