The Bright Sparks project is back for 2024/25 with new opportunities to support people with disability. This initiative focuses on empowering people with disability to become confident energy consumers during rising electricity prices, helping them make informed decisions to reduce their energy expenses.
Through the project, people with disability will gain a better understanding of their energy bills, learn how to compare plans, and discover available supports for managing financial difficulties.
Workshops, resources and tools are co-designed and delivered by QDN’s Energy Champions who are people with disability.
QDN’s Energy Champions are people with a broad range of lived experience of disability and include people who have visual, hearing, physical and intellectual disability.
The first phase of Bright Sparks started in 2017. You can learn more about this past project at Bright Sparks 2017.
Why is this important?
People with disability have increased energy needs to manage their health and wellbeing. It is important that with the rising cost of electricity, people with disability are empowered customers, and feel confident to take action and make choices to reduce their energy usage.
When are Bright Sparks workshops on?
Workshops will be delivered across late 2024 and throughout 2025.
Where are Bright Sparks workshops being held?
The workshops will be delivered in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Cairns.
How do I register to attend?
To find a workshop near you, visit QDN Events OR contact QDN at 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.
QDN can also deliver specific workshops at organisations in the locations above. If you are a disability peak body, disability service provider or community organisation and you would like to find out more about us hosting a Bright Sparks workshop at your organisation for the participants you support, please complete the Expression of Interest form: Bright Sparks Host Organisation.
There is no cost associated with hosting a workshop at your organisation.
For more information, please contact QDN at 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.
This project is operated through the Enable Grants Program and funded by the Department of Energy and Public Works in Queensland Government.
Energy Champions
We asked our QDN Energy Champions for their thoughts on Bright Sparks and their top tips for saving energy.
Janine Aitken
“I wanted to be involved with the bright Sparks project as someone who relies on air-conditioning to temperature regulate, I understand firsthand how important it is to save money without sacrificing health or quality of life. ”
Amy Cooper
"I’m passionate about educating and advocating for people with disabilities and empowering them to advocate and be empowered themselves. I’m also very passionate about saving the planet as we’re in a climate crisis."
Advice I would give about being an energy saver:
- Always remember to turn off what we call “vampire devices”. If you have your toaster or coffee machine plugged in, my advice is to unplug them when not in use because this can save a lot of power in the long run.
- In regard to being an empowered customer, I would suggest looking at as many different providers as you can. If you live in an area with multiple providers, like Southeast Queensland, check every so often to see if you can get a better deal.
Abigail Makim
“I wanted to get involved in the Bright Sparks project because I believe strongly in the twin powers of community and participation - good for one, good for all! My one piece of advice is to learn how to make the most out of the cooling breezes of summer and warming sunrays of winter for bill-busting cosiness in your home.”
Karen Knight
“Making even small changes can make a noticeable difference to the energy you use every day. Take a small amount of time to understand how your billing works and do your bit to help save the planet.”
Sarina Patti
“I wanted to be involved in Bright Sparks to be part of the solution…helping to provide better options and giving power to the customers, enabling their dollar to go further. Also, offering easy to understand concepts and reducing costs to those who are marginally affected and disadvantaged.”
Nadia Brady
“I got involved in Bright Sparks because I want to find energy saving ideas that will help me as a person with disability. I try to be an energy saver, but it can be challenging when I don’t know where to start and advice doesn’t fit with my disability. My biggest piece of advice for saving energy is to start to get curious about what’s going on with your power usage and your power bill. I’ve learned a lot by chatting about energy usage with family, friends and especially other people with disability. This information has helped me make easy changes in my life that add up to some big energy savings.”
