Australia has the opportunity to be a leader in renewable energy, with abundant natural energy sources from the sun, wind and water. To reach net-zero targets and harness this potential, communities, governments and industries are investing in renewable projects nationwide. However, policies and large-scale projects often overlook the needs and impacts on communities. To unlock a system that is good for both people and the planet, we need to ensure communities have a seat at the table.
At Community Power Agency, we believe that involving communities at every stage of renewable energy development is essential for building a fairer, more resilient energy future. That’s why we connect and activate communities, government and industry, through expert capacity-building, research, advocacy and engagement, to drive renewable energy projects and policies that are centred on creating positive impacts for communities and nature.
We act as an independent advisor, building and sharing knowledge to enhance social outcomes, and fostering active community participation in the projects within their region and the policy processes that affect them. From empowering community-owned energy developments, to training industry and governments, we ensure that communities are centred throughout the project, program or policy design and delivery, directly driving better outcomes.
We work with community groups, government and industry to develop projects, policies and resources that deliver beneficial outcomes for Australian communities
Our areas of expertise include benefit sharing, community energy and co-ownership models, community engagement, community development and improving environmental outcomes of renewable projects.
We work with community groups, government and industry to develop projects, policies and resources that deliver beneficial outcomes for Australian communities
Community Power Agency was founded when two passionate advocates, Nicky Ison and Dr. Jarra Hicks, took decisive action to build a clean energy future through active collaboration with communities.
Seeking solutions to the energy crisis, they envisioned a fairer, cleaner energy system centred around community empowerment. Inspired by an eye-opening journey across the UK, Europe, North America, and India, where they witnessed diverse and thriving community energy projects, Jarra and Nicky set out to bring this vision to life in Australia.
Community Power Agency officially launched in 2011, and in 2015, it evolved into a not-for-profit workers’ cooperative, growing into a dedicated, high-impact team of six. Today, with Jarra continuing as a Director, our work adapts alongside Australia’s changing energy landscape, partnering on projects of all scales to drive community-centred renewable energy solutions.
Our small, agile team combines academic rigor, in-depth sector knowledge, and hands-on expertise. Based primarily in regional areas across eastern Australia, we are committed to building a renewable future that creates lasting, positive outcomes for communities.
At Community Power Agency, we work consciously to be the change we want to see. We’re a non-distributing cooperative registered in NSW with the Department of Fair Trading. We are also a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission.
Our members are our staff and volunteers. Our board is made up of members, is elected by members and is working for members, which makes us a special form of cooperative called a ‘workers cooperative’. We are dedicated to an equal-pay culture which fosters equality and shared responsibility, recognising that all members contribute valuable skills and perspectives
See our work in action and explore past projects.
Discover how we’re driving policy changes for a fairer and more sustainable energy future.
See how we empower communities to design, own, and benefit from their own renewable energy projects.
Community Power Agency acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia and we acknowledge that their sovereignty has never been ceded. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and pay our respects to ancestors and elders. We contribute 1% of our annual turnover to “Paying The Rent”. This is distributed annually to various First Nations led initiatives outside our organisation that empower indigenous people of Australia. We strive to build collaborations with First Nations organisations to deliver positive energy outcomes for First peoples.
