ESSENTIAL Energy is now accepting applications for its Community Support program, which helps small community groups and organisations run events and activities in regional and rural New South Wales.

Applications are received twice a year and assessed against a range of criteria.

As a guideline, support usually ranges up to $5000 and may include the provision of marquees and a mobile kitchen specially designed for festival cooking demonstrations.

The current round closes on 30 September 2014 and is for activities and programs running from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2015. Applicants will be advised whether they have been successful before the end of November 2014.

Regional manager North Coast, Brendon Neyland, said the program had assisted thousands of community endeavours and initiatives across Essential Energy’s footprint over the years.

“Essential Energy is a part of more than 1500 communities across NSW,” Brendon said.

“These are the communities where we live and work and we’re proud that our support helps to promote regional sustainability and development.”

For more information or to apply for Essential Energy’s Community Support program, visit essentialenergy.com.au/communitysupport.