The planning and delivery of services and infrastructure in remote communities can be a complex and costly exercise. If service delivery is carefully tailored to meet the needs of residents, these costs and complexities can be reduced and a better outcome for clients is achieved.
The Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) has been working with residents of remote Indigenous communities for over 30 years. During this time CAT has developed a deep understanding of the importance of meaningful community engagement and the design of services and technology that meet the needs of the
user.
Bushlight is the part of CAT focussed on improving community energy services. Since 2002 we have worked directly with more than 120 communities to design, build, commission and maintain 140 small and large-scale solar systems. In addition we manage a maintenance program for over 120 ‘non-Bushlight’ renewable
energy systems applying the same principles of engagement and design retrospectively as well as an energy efficiency program aimed at reducing household power costs. In total, Bushlight formally works with over 260 communities across remote Central and Northern Australia.
Bushlight believes that there is a strong link between having access to reliable and affordable energy services and being able to pursue development opportunities.
This publication introduces Bushlight’s Community Energy Planning Model (CEP Model). It outlines the major parts of the process and highlights those elements of the Model that involve community engagement.