PowerMad

PowerMaD Stage 1

Renewable Action Plan

In 2019, the Deans Marsh and District community developed the Marsh and District Community Action Plan (MaDCAP) that outlines the community’s vision, values and key actions. This plan includes a number of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions, one of which is “to become 100% off grid, independent and self-reliant using renewable energy sources.”

To assist this action, in 2023 Surf Coast Shire (Council) and Deans Marsh Community Cottage secured grant funding for PowerMaD: a project to identify practical ways to achieve the renewable energy objectives of the Deans Marsh and District community. The project appointed two experts: one in community engagement; the other in renewable energy systems. The consultants worked closely with community members – and each other – to review and refine the community’s renewable energy objectives and develop a pathway to achieve them.

The end product is a renewable energy action plan that identifies in detail the steps Deans Marsh and District community members can take to achieve their objectives. All Marsh and District community members were encouraged to be involved in the project.

Funding for the project comes from the Victorian Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund and Council, with in-kind support from Council and Deans Marsh Community Cottage.

PowerMaD Stage 2

Community Energy Audit

This is an initiative of Deans Marsh Community Cottage delivered by Geelong Sustainability with funding from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, supported by the Surf Coast Shire.

The aim of the program is to provide residents of Deans Marsh with expert advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce their energy consumption and emissions. And to gain a collective understanding of energy usage within our Community.

How to get involved...

Book a Geelong Sustainability Audit

Overview
This program offers residents a detailed energy efficiency audit at a subsidised rate. Audits are conducted by a professional, accredited energy assessor and help participants to:

make informed, cost-effective improvements to the home to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills
make the home more comfortable, especially during the winter and summer months
make the home more economically and environmentally sustainable

What’s included in an energy efficiency audit?
The in-home audits are delivered by an experienced and accredited home energy assessor from Geelong Sustainability. While conducting the audit, the assessor will talk you through opportunities for improving home comfort and reducing their energy bills. At the end of the audit, participants received a detailed report explaining:

A review of the features of your home that contribute to energy efficiency
Efficiency issues within the home, such as insulation gaps or inefficient appliances
Suggested prioritisation of upgrades
Government rebates available

How much will it cost?
Home Energy Efficiency Audits normally cost between $400 and $550. For this program a limited number of audits are being offered at $75 each ($50 concession), thanks to subsidies from Deans Marsh Community Cottage.

Book Now
The audits generally take between 1-1.5hrs and are offered during business hours. Once we have received payment and booking confirmation, our assessor will reach out to the phone number provided to arrange a time.

Book Your Geelong Sustainability Audit Here

DIY Home Energy Audits

Overview
If you would prefer to conduct a home audit yourself, Deans Marsh Community Cottage are loaning out a DIY Home Energy Audit Kit for the duration of the program.

This toolkit equips you with essential resources to identify and address factors influencing both energy and water efficiency. By pinpointing areas where improvements can be made, you’ll not only reduce your household’s environmental footprint but also lower utility bills, making a positive impact on both your budget and the planet

What’s in the Kit?
In the Kit you will receive the following items along with:

Power-Mate Lite (10 Amp)
FLIR TG267
Energy Efficiency Indicator Thermometer
Water Flow Measuring Cup

Book The Self Assessment Tool Kit Here

Complete an Audit to WIN!

Any household who completes either a Geelong Sustainability Audit or the Self Assessment Audit will gain one entry into the Handy Prizes Competition!

Questions?
For any further questions about the PowerMaD Energy Audit Progam please contact the Cottage on 0499 851 334 or cottage@deansmarsh.org.au

Funding Partners
This program is being delivered by Geelong Sustainability on behalf of Deans Marsh Community Cottage with support from Surf Coast Shire, and funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Terms and Conditions for the Booking of the Geelong Sustainability Audit.

The full amount of $75 ($50 for concession) is payable upon booking the audit visit.
All transactions will incur a 1.5% Credit Card booking fee.
Cancellations with at least 48 hours notice will be eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will not be eligible for a refund.
Cancellations with between 2 and 48 hours notice will be eligible to reschedule.
Cancellations with less than 2 hours notice will not be eligible for a refund or a reschedule.
All requests for cancellations and rescheduling must be received in writing to info@geelongsustainability.org.au