Council Secures Long-Term Renewable Electricity Supply Contract

Published on 01 November 2024

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Leeton Shire Council has secured a 100% renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia through to the end of 2030, as part of a buyer’s group facilitating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 13 regional councils in New South Wales, achieving cost savings and budget certainty along the way.

The full agreement secures the supply of over 390 gigawatt hours of electricity to 163 large council sites and streetlighting across regional NSW, ensuring consistent and reliable energy for essential infrastructure.

The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, along with advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and Baker Mackenzie. By collaborating, the participating 13 councils increased their collective buying power to secure a competitive deal while minimising procurement costs by sharing resources and fees. Leeton Shire has six large sites and 1,500 street lights that will be powered under this scheme. Benefits include:

  • Emissions Reduction: By opting for 100% renewable energy to power our large sites and streetlighting, we will avoid an estimated 5,211 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t/CO2e). Securing renewable energy though this deal helps us to decarbonise council operations and aligns us with local, state and national net zero targets.
  • Cost savings and budget certainty: By purchasing as a group, we have been able to lock in renewable electricity at a competitive price through to the end of 2030, saving Council an estimated $386,480 over the duration of the agreement (compared to current electricity costs). The deal also shields Council from volatility in the electricity market that can unexpectedly increase Council’s costs, giving us long-term budget certainty.
  • Supporting the Local Economy: Renewable energy purchased under this deal will come from several of Iberdrola Australia’s NSW-based renewable energy projects, the Capital Wind Farm, the Avonlie Solar Farm and the Bodangora Wind Farm, supporting the economy of regional NSW by creating jobs and fostering the growth of new energy sectors. This commitment contributes to
    the development of a sustainable energy future throughout NSW.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone for our Council. By securing renewable energy at a stable price through to 2030, we are not only safeguarding our budget but also advancing our commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Cr George Weston.

“It shows what Councils can achieve when working together and we extend our gratitude to our Joint Organisation Partners and our advisory team for their efforts in making this possible,” he added.

General Manager, Jackie Kruger, said the PPA shows how forward thinking and collaboration can help address the shared challenges of local councils.

“I’d like to especially recognise the enormous efforts of our Manager Environmental Sustainability, Luke Tedesco, and Projects Coordinator, Amanda Hetti, who did a magnificent job of ensuring an excellent result for Leeton Shire Council. Their thoroughness and attention to detail has been second to none and will positively benefit Council’s bottom line,” she said.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Luke Tedesco
Manager Environmental Sustainability
T. (02) 6953 0911
E. luket@leeton.nsw.gov.au

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