Over 50 councils across Victoria have joined forces in a council-led procurement process to encourage an uptake in renewable energy.
Participating councils in the Business Renewables Buyers Group are able to assist businesses to purchase low-cost renewable energy and cut their emissions.
The group pools electricity demand to reach a better outcome and access more affordable renewable deals and through the support of an external facilitator to enter into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement to purchase electricity by an off-site renewable energy project, such as a solar or wind farm.
The approach will build upon the first successful phase of the program delivered in 2022/23 and leverage the experience of councils gained through the successful Melbourne Renewable Energy Project and the Victorian Electricity Collaboration projects.
The City of Greater Geelong is the most recent member of the Business Renewables Buyers Group as it is rolled out across the country, led by the City of Yarra.
With council support, the Business Renewables Buyers Group is able to collectively scale up their buying power whilst cutting complexity, time, and cost associated with going 100 per cent renewable.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said, “By forming a collective, there are more options and potential price benefits on offer due to increased load, support from a facilitator and the wider group, and reduced project costs.
“The model can grow and be replicated, paving the way for more businesses to fulfil their sustainability goals.”
Registrations are now open to local business owners who are interested in shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy to cut their emissions and costs.
