We understand that when employees join us, when customers choose us, and when we touch the communities in which we operate, we are judged not just by our financial strength, but also by the social and environmental impact of our decisions and actions.

As an energy retailer, AGL acknowledges that it has a shared responsibility to work collaboratively within the community to assist those experiencing difficulties accessing and affording essential services, including energy. However, our support for the communities in which we live and work goes beyond our obligation as Australia’s leading energy company. It’s part of our commitment to provide support, which makes a genuine contribution.

For nearly five years, AGL’s community program, Energy for Life, has reflected a commitment to make a difference in the communities in which we live and work. It seeks to utilise our employee’s skills, expertise and energy. Our Energy For Life program assists homeless and vulnerable Australians through the implementation of four initiatives – Warmth in Winter, Energy Matters, Volunteering and Employee Giving.

As an energy company committed to encouraging a focus on energy efficiency across the community, we also place a special emphasis on helping vulnerable Australians to reduce their energy costs.

This year AGL established a new Board Committee to increase company focus on a range of sustainability issues, including community. While to date the focus of this committee has been primarily on employee safety, over the coming year it will take greater consideration of the Energy for Life program, with the view to seeking ways to further enhance our community contribution.

Community liaison and consultation is a process we recognize as vital to engaging the community on new developments, expansions of existing infrastructure and ongoing operations. Only by engaging them at every stage of the development process, through transparency, accountability and regular communication and feedback, are we able to deliver and operate our projects.

Our strategies to reach this goal are:

• Build long-term strategic community partnerships

• Provide sustainable assistance to vulnerable Australians

• Provide the means and opportunity for our employees to volunteer in the community

• Provide financial support to charities chosen by our employees
• Engage with the community on projects that impact them … every step of the way.