Councils and Green Power *

As community leaders, Councils play a key role in educating residents and businesses about environmental issues such as greenhouse emissions and climate change. Green Power offers Councils a simple means to demonstrate their commitment to the environment, while also presenting an opportunity for ratepayers to reduce their impact.

There are already over 60,000 residential and 2,000 business customers choosing Green Power around the country. Over 30 Councils in NSW have won the respect and support from local residents by choosing Green Power.

Approved Green Power energy suppliers purchase the equivalent of all, or a percentage of, a Council’s electricity from renewable sources, including wind, solar, mini hydro or biomass that have met the stringent environmental requirements of the National Green Power Accreditation Steering Group.

Councils using Green Power are realising both environmental and community relations benefits. Not only is Green Power is an easy method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but Councils can also use the Green Power logo to promote their environmental and social commitment to their ratepayers. For a medium size Council to sign up to Green Power, the increase to their electricity bill is as little as two percent Mayor of Manly Council, Councillor Jean Hay, said that the Green Power initiative demonstrates Council’s continuing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and its strive towards a sustainable Manly, decreasing Manly’s impact on the global environment.

If you would like more information about Green Power for Councils email greenpower@seda.nsw.gov.au, visit www.greenpower.com.au or call SEDA on (02) 9249 6100.

* Copy supplied by SEDA