Moreland City Council has expressed its disappointment in the forthcoming closure of the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF), which was first established by Council in 2000.
The AEF recently advised that it would close operations due to changing market conditions and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Formerly known as the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL), it was established by Council with the goal of reducing greenhouse emissions across the municipality using proceeds from the forced sale of the former cities of Brunswick and Coburg electricity supply authorities under the Kennett Government in 2000.
Up until 2019, Council contributed significant funding toward MEFL and formerly participated in its governance through the Board.
In 2019, MEFL became an organisation independent of Council and became known as
Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) to better reflect the national footprint and impact the organisation aspired to.
Moreland City Council Mayor, Mark Riley, expressed that he was saddened by recent news of AEF’s closure.
“Moreland City Council had a successful partnership with MEFL and more recently AEF over two decades. The organisation has provided advice and support to help thousands of Moreland residents and businesses reduce their energy bills and make the switch to clean energy,” Mayor Riley said.
“I’m saddened that the organisation will soon close its doors. Council originally established MEFL to continue our leadership in taking action on climate change and providing innovative energy services for our community.
“Council was proud of AEF becoming independent of Council three years ago and this reflected its local and national reach and impact.
“We are proud of the wonderful programs that its predecessor, MEFL fostered, such as Solar Cities and the development of the Zero Carbon Evolution and the subsequent 2040 framework.
“MEFL also partnered with Council to deliver Cooling Communities, which won a United Nations Environment Day Award and helped numerous residents and businesses go solar and improve energy efficiency.
“We will continue the organisation’s legacy on climate change action within Council to create a healthy and resilient Moreland, including continuation of the Mike Hill Fellowship in this financial year.”
