Thirteen New South Wales Councils are set to save on their energy bills after securing fixed pricing through to the end of 2030 as part of the Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The agreement secures the supply of over 390GW/h of electricity to 163 large council sites and streetlighting across the 13 participating councils, ensuring consistent and reliable energy for essential infrastructure in regional New South Wales. Over the six years of the agreement an estimated 83 per cent of the electricity supplied to council sites will be from renewable energy generators in New South Wales, with nine of the 13 councils opting for 100 per cent renewable energy for the entire term.
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA initiative was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation as part of the Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) program. The project was supported by advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group and Baker Mackenzie, with financial support from the New South Wales Government. By collaborating, the participating councils increased their collective buying power to secure a competitive deal and reduced the procurement costs by sharing resources and fees. This wide reaching cross regional collaboration would not have been possible without the support of the JONZA program.
By participating in this PPA, the councils benefit in several ways:
Emissions reduction: by opting for renewable energy to power large sites and streetlighting, the 13 councils will avoid an estimated 185,000t of carbon dioxide emissions over the duration of the agreement. The procurement of renewable energy though this deal will help participating councils to decarbonise their operations and progress towards local, state and national net zero targets.
Cost savings and budget certainty: by purchasing as a group, councils have been able to lock in renewable electricity at a competitive price through to the end of 2030, collectively saving the councils an estimated $5.3 million compared to their 2024 electricity rates. The deal also shields councils from volatility in the electricity market that can unexpectedly increase costs, giving all councils long-term budget certainty.
Supporting the local economy: renewable energy purchased under this deal will come from several of Iberdrola Australia’s New South Wales-based renewable energy projects, the Capital Wind Farm, the Avonlie Solar Farm and the Bodangora Wind Farm, supporting the economy of regional New South Wales by creating jobs and fostering the growth of new energy sectors. This commitment contributes to the development of a sustainable energy future throughout New South Wales.
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA exemplifies the power of collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing energy challenges faced by regional councils. This initiative not only benefits its member councils’ and their communities but also serves as a model for other councils seeking similar stability and sustainability.
The participating councils are Bellingen Shire, Berrigan Shire, Edward River, Griffith City, Leeton Shire, Maitland City, MidCoast, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Muswellbrook Shire, Narrandera Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Upper Hunter Shire.
