Four councils in the Hunter region of New South Wales — Maitland City, MidCoast, Muswellbrook Shire, and Upper Hunter Shire — have secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia.
The deal, part of a larger power purchase agreement (PPA) involving nine regional councils, will ensure a long-term, reliable supply of renewable energy for council facilities and street lighting.
As part of the agreement, Maitland City, MidCoast, and Muswellbrook councils will source 100 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has opted for 30 per cent renewable energy.
The councils estimate that the move will help avoid approximately 99,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the course of the contract.
The group purchasing power of the participating councils has enabled them to secure a competitive electricity price, saving an estimated $2 million over the life of the agreement compared to projected 2024 electricity costs.
The deal also shields the councils from fluctuations in energy prices, offering greater financial stability.
The renewable energy for the agreement will be sourced from multiple renewable energy projects located throughout New South Wales, contributing to the regional economy and further supporting the growth of the local renewable energy sector.
The PPA initiative, known as Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW, was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, with assistance from energy advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and legal firm Baker Mackenzie.
Financial support was provided by the NSW Government.
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