A $180 million renewable energy deal that will see 25 NSW councils supplied by three solar farms has been announced by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC).
The landmark retail electricity agreement is set to deliver more than 214 gigawatt hours of electricity per year to 25 councils across NSW.
It involves the supply of electricity to over 300 major council facilities, more than 210,000 streetlights and more than 3,000 small sites managed by councils.
The agreement, brokered by SSROC with electricity retailer, ZEN Energy Retail Pty Ltd (ZEN Energy), will commence this year and run until 2026, with an option to extend to 2030.
Nineteen of the participating councils have opted for 100% renewable energy under the agreement. It’s envisaged that 83% of the councils’ total electricity supply will be covered by renewable energy from the Moree, Hillston and Nevertire Solar Farms in NSW.
Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman said the landmark collaboration between councils brings NSW one step closer to achieving net-zero goals.
“It is fantastic to see SSROC working with one of the nation’s leading renewable energy companies, ZEN Energy,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Councils working together in this way shows just what all levels of Government can achieve in aiming for net zero emissions and energy security. This huge investment in NSW will be the foundation of a brighter and cleaner future.”
Burwood Mayor and SSROC President, John Faker said, “By buying as a group, councils have got a great renewable energy deal at the same cost or at a lower cost than their existing contracts for traditional black power”.
“This is a major win for the environment at a time when the world’s focus is on taking solid steps to address climate change. It is a huge demonstration of the commitment of councils to serving their communities, minimising their carbon emissions and growing the economy of NSW,” he said.
SSROC CEO, Helen Sloan said “SSROC has been leading the market in advocating for shorter term, lower risk renewable energy supply agreements for councils that can be negotiated at competitive supply rates. This innovative, lower risk, deal lasts for 4.5 years and can be extended for up to 4 more years by participating councils. The approach taken proves that councils can secure competitive pricing and meet their renewable energy targets without having to enter into a long-term agreement.”
Sydney’s Willoughby City Council has opted for 100% renewable energy under the agreement.
Willoughby Mayor, Tanya Taylor said “Council is proud to join with 24 other councils in this significant deal and commit to using 100 per cent renewable energy for our electricity. This represents a major step towards our goal to achieve net zero emissions across our operations by 2025.”
“Willoughby City Council is committed to sustainability and investing in initiatives that realise our community’s vision to be a green, liveable city. This landmark deal will have long-term and wide-reaching impact and support the renewable energy industry in NSW,” she said.
The participating councils are: Bayside, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Parramatta, Port Stephens, Randwick, Ryde, Singleton, Sutherland, Tamworth, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra.
