Melbourne City Council has joined Community Power. I have personally signed up.
Community Power was originally a Darebin Council initiative to increase the buying power of residents who wish to buy 'green energy' [in contrast to black energy made from polluting sources such as coal, nuclear, oil, etc.]. 'Accredited green power' and 'renewable energy' are two energy options included in the current community power offer.
'Accredited Green Power' is a renewable energy source from nationally accredited generators. 'Renewable energy' shares all the characteristics of Green Power except that it is sourced from generators commissioned prior to 1997 and is therefore not credited under the National Green Power Scheme. Initially, both of these options will be available at prices cheaper than people on the 'deemed tariff' are paying now for conventional (greenhouse intensive) electricity for peak electricity use.
In conjunction with energy supplier AGL, Community Power is offering a range of contracts in the municipality. The program allows people to contribute to a more sustainable future through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, while potentially reducing their own energy bill. Purchasing Green Power also encourages investment in Australia’s renewable energy industry.
Community Power offers energy plans that comprise combinations of accredited Green Power and energy from renewable sources, with contracts ranging between 18 months and 3 years.
Residents can choose between Community Green (15% accredited Green Power and 85% renewable energy) or Green Saver (5% accredited Green Power, 95% renewable energy). Residents who want to purchase a higher proportion of Green Power will be able to do so.
Business options include Business Green (10% accredited Green Power and 90% renewable energy) and Business Economy (50% renewable energy and 50% conventional electricity.) Business contracts will be for 1 year or 3 years.
24 September 2003: Green energy is now available to residents in the municipalities of Melbourne, Moreland, Darebin and Yarra through the Community Power Program. Community Power is a not-for-profit, renewable electricity buying group made up of residents from the Cities of Melbourne, Darebin, Moreland and Yarra, in conjunction with energy supplier AGL. It is the first such organisation in Australia, that has negotiated the supply of environmentally, economically and socially beneficial electricity on behalf of customers.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while cutting the cost of energy bills. When buying Community Power, residents have the choice of 'Economy Options' (discounted rates) or 'Premium Options' (additional government approved Green Power, at surcharge rates).
Community Power Now Offers Free Household Energy Audits Community Power is offering a limited number of free Energy Audits to Community Power customers. With Victorian households spending around $1,500 on energy bills some simple energy saving measures could save you hundreds of dollars each year. Similar programs have resulted in energy savings of about 20% and that is around $300 off your annual energy bills. In terms of environmental benefit that saving corresponds to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 2.5 tonnes per year.
The audit takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and looks at ways of reducing energy consumed for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, cooking and for other appliances. It also gives you information on the costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with various transport behaviours. After the audit you receive a detailed report with specific recommendations on actions you can take. Many of the methods to reduce your bills are surprisingly simple and savings can be substantial. If you are interested just ring to book a time.
More information: Community Power Energy Plans: 1300 762 245.
Community Power Household energy audits: Ring the Community Power Program Co-ordinator on 8470 8220
Community Power Website: www.communitypower.org
FURTHER INFORMATION: You can find out more at the Community Power website at http://www.communitypower.org.
3 Jan 04: This e-mail was taken from a May 2001 Greenleap message sent by Bridget McIntosh re Greenpower and native forests electricity generation.
Just for clarification, any electricity suppliers' Green Power accredited product is over and above the legislation, and does not accept native forests as an electricity generation source. Electricity suppliers who want to maintain accreditation for their product, must comply with the strict rules and be audited every year. So if you want certainty about where your electricity comes from, and want to drive investment in renewable energy (more than 2%), ask your electricity supplier for their ACCREDITED Green Power product (and beware of plain old 'renewable electricity' charged at a premium). Check out www.greenpower.com.au for the rules and audited reports for each electricity supplier. This transparency and audit is part of the service provided by the National Green Power Accreditation Program.
Bridget McIntosh, National Green Power Program Manager
Ph (02) 9249 6175; Fx (02) 9299 0042; www.greenpower.com.au; www.seda.nsw.gov.au
