WA Local Governments leading shift to renewable energy

Local Governments in Western Australia are set to sign up for an Australian first renewable energy agreement.

The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) negotiated the new aggregated agreement with the potential to deliver 100 per cent renewable power to 51 councils across the state.

WALGA President Mayor Tracey Roberts said the agreement would deliver both the option for 100 per cent renewable energy for the sector’s contestable supply and savings of up to $5 million.

“The enthusiasm for this project in the sector and the terms that have been achieved for the community are outstanding,” Roberts said.

“There is a genuine appetite in the Local Government sector to lead the way on zero emissions and the shift to renewable energy is a giant step in the right direction.”

This agreement is the first renewables and carbon offset aggregation project granted authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Three Western Australian wind farms at Albany, Emu Downs and Collgar wind farm, will provide the renewable energy supply for the Local Governments that decide to participate.

“Sourcing renewable energy from WA providers was a strong requirement of the sector and further supports the direct benefit to the community in supporting local industry,” Roberts said.

The Local Governments have until Thursday 18 November to make a decision on their participation in the project, which would make it the largest of its kind undertaken in Australia.