Cardinia Shire Council is one of 51 Victorian councils to have slashed their energy bills and reduced emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), a joint renewable energy contract.
The collective investment in Victorian renewables has provided electricity 25 per cent cheaper over its first 12 months. These savings can be redirected to critical community services provided by Council.
The long-term contract will continue to protect councils from record high wholesale prices in the coming years and help to increase the stability of the State's energy system.
Approximately 172,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved by councils in the first 12 months, which is equivalent to powering up to 35,000 homes or taking 66,000 cars off the road each year.
Initiated by and facilitated with the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, now led by Glen Eira City Council, VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy.
VECO is on track to reduce Cardinia Shire Council's greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5,500 tonnes of CO2e and its electricity costs by an estimated $90,000 this financial year.
Cardinia Shire Council's Chief Executive Officer Carol Jeffs said the project helped deliver on climate emergency commitments reflected in Council's Aspirational Energy Transition Plan.
"Cardinia's operations are powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity — including streetlights, libraries, children's and community centres," Ms Jeffs said.
"This renewable energy is essential to achieve our goal of net zero Council emissions by 2024."
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford said the project showed the value of collaboration in local government.
"Effective collaboration through VECO has enabled us to pursue our target of zero net council emissions, while supporting the renewable energy transition and reducing council utility costs" the Mayor said.
The renewable energy is being provided by two wind farms in Victoria — Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake, which started exporting power to the grid in March 2020, and Murra Warra II Wind Farm near Horsham, which started exporting power in February 2022.
