Electricity costs for Council buildings and sites were slashed by $321, 690 in the past financial year and electricity costs for street lighting were reduced by $201, 870.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said these major savings were achieved through Council’s 100% renewable electricity Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), improving energy efficiency and installing more solar panels on council properties.

“By investing in solar and switching to renewable energy, we have reduced our emissions by around 80% and slashed our energy costs,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s a win for the community with savings directed back into infrastructure upgrades and community projects right across the Northern Beaches”.

“We are proud to be part of a future-minded community that champions sustainability and climate change action. We have not only met our corporate emission reduction targets – we have exceeded those targets.”

Solar installations on Council properties and the PPA are together expected to achieve savings of over $2.4 million over 7 years compared with forward estimates.

These measures have also resulted in Council meeting two corporate targets well ahead of schedule: for all suitable premises to be powered by renewable electricity by 2030; and to reduce corporate emissions by 60% by 2040.

The 100% Renewable Electricity PPA has reduced Council’s overall corporate carbon emissions by around 20,000 tonnes. Council’s partner in the PPA is the Iberdrola-owned Bodangora Wind Farm, located in regional NSW.

Council’s recent energy saving achievements include:

• installing 500kW of solar on Council buildings boosting our total solar installations to over 900 kW
• launching the Simplifying Solar Program to provide information and advice to the community to support the uptake of solar power
• installing 5 free, fast electric vehicle chargers using 100% renewable power, as part of a world first initiative with Ausgrid and JOLT.

Last year, Council was awarded the Cities Power Partnership Renewable Energy Achievement Award for its work in recognition of these efforts. 

Ausgrid’s Accelerated Residential Streetlight replacement project, which is more than 90% complete on the Northern Beaches, has also contributed to Council’s street lighting energy savings.

The new LED street lighting are estimated to save Council more than $1.7 million over ten years and reduce Council’s carbon emissions by 3,000 tonnes a year.

For more information on Council’s energy saving measures visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/climate-emergency-and-sustainability

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