This fund helps to address fuel poverty in the city, providing much needed support for people and whānau struggling to pay their electric bills. Annually around 600 people / whānau are assisted. The fund is managed on the DCC's behalf by the Dunedin Budget Advisory Service, and administered by this service, along with Presbyterian Support Otago, Catholic Social Services, and Community Law Otago. The fund's distribution is evaluated annually.
- Grants are payable at the discretion of the budget adviser up to a maximum of $500. Grants over $300 to be allocated only where the client is under a full budgeting advice programme.
- Clients may access the fund twice in a five-year period, at the discretion of the budget adviser.
- Grants are available for power-related costs only.