Extreme weather events around the nation have plagued the traditional Christmas/New Year festive season. Icy winds, hail and an offshore wind twister met the Sydney to Hobart Fleet, while NSW was ablaze with fire. This is a taste of local climate change impacts due to the greenhouse effect long predicted by scientists. Local Government has recognised the dire need for community action and is leading the way in reducing greenhouse impact locally.
Many have increased their energy efficiency through the Cities for Climate Protection© program and by adopting the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Energy Smart Homes policy.
More and more Councils are also choosing to use energy from renewable sources via the National Green Power Accreditation Program. Nearly 25 Councils in NSW alone are using Green Power for Council and community buildings, street lighting and public lighting. With more energy options available to Councils, many have turned to the Green Power accreditation program for assurance that their renewable energy supply meets with stringent environmental and auditing requirements.
Using Green Power accredited energy means Councils can assure their community that they are using guaranteed genuine renewable energy.
Due to increasing interest from Councils, the new Local Government Green Power Purchasing Guide was produced to ease the negotiation process for Councillors interested in ‘greening’ their energy supply and to pass on other Councils’ Green Power experiences. This guide comprehensively covers the main issues for Councils interested in purchasing accredited Green Power – issues like securing a reasonable quote from your energy supplier, and selling the concept to Councillors.
It also includes detailed case studies of Councils that have successfully used contestability to reduce their energy costs and made huge savings in both energy costs and environmental benefits. To ensure the guide covers the main issues for Councils in purchasing electricity it was prepared by SEDA with assistance from AMEIF and Cities for Climate Protection©, with additional consultation with Councils and electricity suppliers nationally.
To obtain a copy of the guide, call 136 206, visit www.seda.nsw.gov.au or email greenpower@seda.nsw.gov.au .
* Copy supplied by SEDA
