Narrandera Shire Council is excited to announce that it has secured a 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.
The 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. Narrandera Shire has opted for 100% renewable energy under the PPA.
"This agreement marks an important milestone for our council. By locking in renewable energy at a stable price until 2030, we're not only protecting our budget but also reinforcing our commitment to sustainability," said Mayor Kschenka. "This accomplishment demonstrates what councils can achieve through collaboration, and we thank the Hunter Joint Organisation, the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation, and our advisory team for their contributions to making this happen."
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Council's NSW PPA was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation, Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, and Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation, along with advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and Baker Mackenzie. By collaborating, the participating councils increased their collective buying power to secure a competitive deal and reduced the procurement costs by sharing resources and fees.
By participating in this, Narrandera Shire will benefit in several ways:
Emissions Reduction: By opting for 100% renewable energy to power our large sites and streetlighting, we will avoid an estimated 4,179 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t/CO2e). Securing renewable energy through 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 $862,059.00 over the duration of the agreement (compared to the 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, 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.
George Cowan, General Manager commented, "Securing this renewable energy agreement is a pivotal step for our community's future, not only does it provide financial stability, but is also aligns with our long-term goals for a more sustainable environment. We are proud to work alongside our partners to make a meaningful impact for our residents."
The Powering Tomorrow Regional Councils NSW PPA exemplifies the power of collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing energy challenges faced by regional councils. This initiative not only benefits the Narrandera Shire but also serves as a model for other councils seeking similar stability and sustainability.
For more information, please contact council's Projects and Assets Manager on 02 6959 5510.
