Bass Coast Shire Council has saved almost $30,000 in the last 12 months powering its municipal offices, streetlights and community buildings with renewable energy.
Bass Coast is now one of 51 local governments to have switched council buildings and facilities to renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).
VECO is the largest ever emissions reduction project by local governments in Australia. Since launching in 2021, VECO has grown from 46 to 51 participating councils in Victoria to now be the biggest renewable energy buyers' group in the country. 25% cheaper electricity has already been delivered in the first 12 months, thanks to VECO's collective investment in Victorian renewables. These savings are being re-directed to critical community services.
This landmark collaboration demonstrates the value of local governments working together to tackle climate change. 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. Savings are expected to increase to 220,000 tonnes per year.
Bass Coast Shire Council has saved almost 2,000 tonnes of emissions in the last 12 months, assisting council to achieve its net zero by 2030 emissions target.
This collaboration ensures Bass Coast Shire Council is not only responding to a climate emergency by reducing emissions, but through the collective buying of renewable energy we have supported investment in renewables in Victoria, increasing energy stability and reducing retail energy prices. It also supports the delivery of Bass Coast's commitment to achieve net zero Council emissions by 2030.
