Local businesses in Ballarat now have access to two new programs that can help them transition to 100 per cent renewable energy, cutting emissions and costs in the process.
The City of Ballarat has joined forces with more than 50 Victorian councils to create the Business Renewables Buyers Group, which assists businesses in accessing more affordable renewable energy deals. The group is supported by an external facilitator experienced in purchasing electricity generated by renewable sources, such as solar or wind farms.
“The Business Renewables Buyers Group is a local government initiative that helps businesses reduce their emissions and their impact on the environment while also securing long-term, stable pricing from the energy market,” Cr Des Hudson, the Mayor of Ballarat said.
The program is open to businesses that consume more than 500 MWh (megawatt hour) of electricity per year, typically spending around $100,000 annually on energy.
In addition to the Buyers Group, the Committee for Ballarat has also launched the Ballarat Energy Network, a community-driven program that features 100 per cent locally generated renewable energy for businesses and industry.
“To achieve energy resilience for regional communities like ours, the grid must evolve to maximise the capability of distributed generation assets like rooftop solar and storage systems,” Michael Poulton, the CEO of the Committee for Ballarat said.
“These will play an increasingly significant role as business, industry, and the community in our region transition to an economy driven by 100 per cent renewable energy.”
The shift towards renewable energy is a key part of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to transitioning to a net-zero municipality. In 2018, the Council acknowledged the climate emergency and the need for urgent action, and in 2019, it adopted a Carbon Neutrality and 100 per cent Renewables Action Plan for its corporate emissions.
In 2022, the Council adopted the Ballarat Net Zero Emissions Plan, with an aspirational target of reaching net-zero emissions for the Ballarat community by 2030.
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