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South Gippsland renewable energy celebrate one year of emission reduction and lower electricity costs
South Gippsland Shire Council is one of 51 Victorian councils that have cut their energy bills and reduced emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), a joint renewable electricity contract.
The partnership between South Gippsland Shire Council and Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) was initiated and facilitated with the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, and is now led by Glen Eira City Council. It recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy. The renewable energy is being provided by Red Energy, who is 100 percent Australian-owned and operated by Snowy Hydro.
Renewable energy are used to power council-owned infrastructure, like streetlights, civic centres, pools and town halls
The collective investment in Victorian renewables has delivered all partnering councils with cheaper electricity.Approximately 172,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved by councils in the first 12 months of the partnership, which is the equivalent of powering up to 35,000 homes or taking 66,000 cars off the road each year.
Reducing emissions by tonnes
Kerryn Ellis, Chief Executive Officer at South Gippsland Shire Council said, "The project delivers 100 per cent renewable energy at a cheaper price than we were previously paying for non-renewable power. Now all of our operations are powered by renewable energy including street lights and libraries."
"Collaboration and working together with other councils is a real positive of local government. We get more done when we work together. This long-term contract with Red Energy will continue to protect us and other councils from the wholesale price changes."
"South Gippsland Shire Council has saved 5.1 per cent on our electricity bill and reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 1,588 tonnes. These savings can be redirected to critical community services we provide, and thus creating better outcomes for our community." Ms Ellis said.
Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
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