Based on the final project reports provided by grant recipients, there is clear evidence the programme assisted local councils and community groups to increase their energy efficiency. While the current Australian Government does not plan to introduce an emissions trading scheme (ETS), these projects are expected to continue benefiting the communities in the longer term through reduced energy costs.

The projects will also continue to improve energy efficiency in Australia more broadly, by demonstrating the financial savings that can be achieved in the broader community, and by helping Australia to reach its carbon pollution reduction target in 2020.