Essential Energy provided six local heroes and grassroots organisations which support communities with funding of up to $3000 through its Community Choices Program.

In May, Essential Energy asked the community to help decide which local organisations needed a bit of "empowering".

The program saw 20 percent more votes this year compared to 2020, showing locals were eager to support these groups.

"We're thrilled with this opportunity to give back to the communities that we live and work in with our third annual Community Choices program, as we've seen the difference a little extra funding can make," Essential Energy's southern community relations manager, Sarah Johnston said.

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"Locally on the South Coast, we've been able to support organisations like Girl Guides Association of NSW - 2A Bega Girl Guides and Quaama P&C Association who give so much back to the community."

"Pleasingly, 75 percent of nominations were from new groups who heard about the program and decided to put their requests for extra support to the wider community."

The following organisations have been supported by Essential Energy's 2021 Community Choices program across the South Coast:

Ms Johnston acknowledged that many areas have been doing it tough this year due the continuing impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health pandemic and major flooding in some areas.

"The last 12 months have been challenging for so many of the communities across our footprint," she said.

"We understand how important these organisations within these communities are and we hope this Community Choices funding helps them continue to support our customers in these areas."

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