Golden Plains is one of 51 Victorian councils to have slashed their energy bills and reduced emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), a joint renewable electricity contract.
Initiated by and facilitated with the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, now led by Glen Eira City Council, VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy.
The collective investment in Victorian renewables has delivered 25 per cent cheaper electricity over the first 12 months. These savings can be redirected to critical community services provided by Council.
VECO has saved Golden Plains Shire Council $11,312 on their electricity bill over the past 12 months and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 728 tCO2e.
The long-term contract with Red Energy will continue to protect councils from record high wholesale prices in the coming years and help to increase the stability of the State’s energy system.
Approximately 172,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved by the 51 councils in the first 12 months, which is equivalent to powering up to 35,000 homes or taking 66,000 cars off the road each year.
Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Brett Cunningham said the project helped deliver on commitments reflected in Council’s Climate Emergency Plan 2022-2032.
“This initiative is critical to Golden Plains Shire reaching emissions targets set out in our Climate Emergency Plan 2022-2032.
“There is a strong imperative for Council to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the changing climate given the expected impact on Council’s strategic goals, operations, assets and service delivery, as well as the health and wellbeing of the community.”
Owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated energy retailer based in Melbourne.
The renewable energy is being provided by two wind farms in Victoria — Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake, which started exporting power to the grid in March 2020, and Murra Warra II Wind Farm near Horsham, which started exporting power in February 2022.
For more information about Council’s Climate Emergency Plan 2022-2032 please click here.