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Wonthaggi Children's Centre slashes electricity bill after installation of solar power system with funding from Sustainability Victoria and Bass Coast Council

Installation of a 15.98 kW solar power system in Bass Coast Children's Centre in Wonthaggi in November 2022 gave a 54% decrease on their electricity bill.

By news@gippsland - 21st June 2023 - Back to News

Electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions have been slashed at the Bass Coast Children's Centre in Wonthaggi after the installation of a 15.98 kW solar power system, supported by grant funding from the Victorian government (through Sustainability Victoria) and Bass Coast Shire Council. Installed in November 2022, the day care centre's latest electricity bill shows a 54% decrease in usage compared to the same time last year. This represents a dollar saving of almost $850 over the last quarter.

President, Bass Coast Children's Centre Management Committee, Minnie Hopkins (first left); Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP (second left); Acting Director Industry & Infrastructure, Sustainability Victoria, Luke Wilkinson (third left); Bass Coast Shire Councillor, Leticia Laing (fifth right); Manager Sustainable Environment, Bass Coast Shire Council, Simon Woodland (fourth right); Acting Coordinator, Climate & Sustainability, Bass Coast Shire Council, Christian Slattery (first right); plus parents and pupils of Bass Coast Children's Centre

Climate action projects

The solar power system was co-funded by a $6,475 grant from Sustainability Victoria under the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program, plus a co-contribution of $3,250 from Bass Coast Shire Council. Bass Coast Children's Centre contributed $4,200, which is expected to be paid-back within 18 months, after electricity bill savings are accounted for.

For other local organisations who want to install solar power, council has a recently launched fund which may be able to support. Up to $40,000 per year is now available through Bass Coast Shire Council's Community Grants Program to support local climate action projects.

Achieving sustainability

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said, "This project is a fantastic demonstration of how rooftop solar can slash electricity bills across Bass Coast. This means more money in the pockets of community organisations and residents, that can be reinvested into our community. Bass Coast Shire Council is committed to supporting community organisations to reduce emissions and their energy bills, through rooftop solar and energy efficiency initiatives. There are now over 400 kW of solar panels installed on council-owned buildings."

Bass Coast Children's Centre Committee of Management President, Minnie Hopkins said, "This solar system not only helps to achieve sustainability goals, but it has also decreased our running costs at a time of spiralling expenses in other areas."

"The financial savings from our rooftop solar system will be put to good use educating and supporting our littlest local children. Over the life of the system, this means thousands of dollars extra invested in our community," he said. For more information visit Bass Coast Shire Community Grants page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com