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This article was published on Tuesday, 20 December, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council achieves Australia’s largest ever emissions reduction project by local government

Greater Shepparton City Council is one of 51 Victorian councils to have slashed their energy bills and reduced emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), a joint renewable electricity contract.

The collective investment in Victorian renewables has delivered electricity 25 per cent cheaper over the first 12 months. These savings can be redirected to critical community services provided by Council.

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.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development Geraldine Christou, said the project helped deliver on climate emergency commitments reflected in Council’s 2030 Net Zero Emission Plan.

“Greater Shepparton City Council operations are powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity — including street lights, libraries, leisure centres and electric vehicles,” she said.

“This is essential in achieving our goal of net zero Council emissions by 2030.”

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Shane Sali, said the project showed the value of collaboration in local government.

“The first year of VECO has delivered beyond our expectations for cost decreases and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Cr Sali said.

“Effective collaboration allow ratepayer dollars to go further.”

Initiated by and facilitated with the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, now led by Glen Eira City Council, VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy.

The long-term contract with Red Energy will continue to protect councils from record high wholesale prices in the coming years and help to increase the stability of the State’s energy system. Owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated energy retailer based in Melbourne.

The renewable energy is being provided by two wind farms in Victoria — Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake, which started exporting power to the grid in March 2020, and Murra Warra II Wind Farm near Horsham, which started exporting power in February 2022