Wollongong City Council is looking to partner with neighbouring councils to increase access to solar and battery storage solutions for households and small businesses across the region.
The community renewables program is currently inviting expressions of interest through Tenderlink.
Should a suitable provider be found, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) would coordinate the program on behalf of member councils Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, and Wollongong.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the program was about empowering the whole community to take control of their emissions and their electricity bills.
"Our Climate Change Mitigation Plan is all about council supported community-led actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need to provide help where it's needed most so there are opportunities for people to share in the health and financial benefits of renewable energy. This community renewables program seeks to deliver that," said Cr Bradbery.
"We are aiming to provide opportunities to bring everyone on the Wollongong net zero journey, so more residents can benefit from cheap renewable energy. Together is the only way we can reach a net zero Wollongong.
"Expressions of interest are being sought from providers to deliver a range of offerings including community bulk buy discounts on solar and battery systems, access to virtual power plants and community energy plans."
The broader program is supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration Grant Program.
"Generating your own renewable electricity at home reduces your energy bills and no or low upfront cost options means those who can't afford solar outright may still be able to participate. Pairing solar with battery storage means you can store electricity to use when the sun isn't shining and reduce pressure on the local electricity grid during peak times," continued Cr Bradbery.
"A virtual power plant and community energy plan option will allow excess solar energy to be exported to the grid. This means residents and renters who can't install solar could still access locally sourced renewable energy and benefit from the program.
"To keep the economic benefits of the program here in the region is a key objective so we have included requirements to use local providers and installers to boost local jobs."
