Council celebrates success of VECO's first year

Central Goldfields Shire Council celebrates one year of emissions reductions and cost savings through VECO, Australia's largest ever emissions reduction project by local government

Central Goldfields Shire 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.

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.

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.

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.

At a local level, Council's electricity bills have reduced by 10% since joining VECO. This is particularly impressive in the current context of rising energy prices. VECO has also reduced Council's greenhouse gas emissions by 651 tCO2e.

Central Goldfields Mayor, Cr Grace La Vella, said "the project is a big step in achieving our goal of net zero emissions by 2030, set through The Central Goldfields Climate Action Plan 2022-30."

"Council operations are now powered by 100% renewable electricity – including streetlights, libraries, sporting grounds and community buildings", she said.

"Effective collaboration has enabled us to deliver stronger climate action, while supporting the Victorian economy, the renewable energy transition and allowing our ratepayers' dollars to go further."

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.

Central Goldfields Shire signed on to VECO – Australia's largest ever emissions reduction project by local government – in May, 2021.

Participating councils: