Celebrating one year of emission reductions

Wyndham City is one of 51 Victorian councils to reduce energy bills and emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) – Australia’s largest ever emissions reduction project by local government.

The councils participate in a joint renewable electricity contract that has seen Wyndham City realise more than $500,000 in savings since entering the contract around 18 months ago.

The collective investment in Victorian renewables has delivered electricity that is 25 per cent cheaper over the first 12 months of the contract.

The long-term contract with Red Energy will continue to protect councils from 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, VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy.

Since entering into the VECO project, Wyndham City has realised savings on its electricity bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15,000 tonnes.

Wyndham City Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre said the project supported Wyndham City’s commitments under the Resilient Wyndham Strategy.

“All the operations of Wyndham City that rely on electricity, are powered by 100% renewable energy-  including street lights, libraries, leisure centres and electric vehicles,” she said. 

“This is essential in achieving our goal of net zero Council emissions by 2023.”

Wyndham City’s Climate Futures and Environment portfolio holder Cr Robert Szatkowski said the project showed the value of collaboration in local government given the financial and environmental savings of the project.

“Owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated energy retailer based in Melbourne,” he said.

“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.”

Participating councils: