Solar power generates ratepayer savings

The City has saved ratepayers $21million in energy costs thanks to its energy management initiatives.

Mayor Tom Tate today inspected solar panels on the roof of the City’s Waterside office block in Bundall, one of 20 solar sites now operational as part of the Energy Management Program. 

“The power savings we have made over the past four years total $21million. The installation of renewable energy is about minimising the impact of environmental pressures and cost increases as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“We are continuing to investigate opportunities for small and large scale renewable energy as we strive to meet emission reduction targets and strengthen the city’s resilience.”

The City is also investigating opportunities to create a community ‘mini grid’ to share solar generation with some of its commercial tenants at significantly reduced costs. 

“By the end of 2019, we will have deployed over 4MW of solar and 1MW of battery storage throughout the city - enough to power about 750 Gold Coast homes annually - with savings of over $500,000 per year.”

Other initiatives of the Energy Management Program include: 

 small to medium scale emerging renewable technology projects 

 large scale renewable technology opportunities on underutilised land

 leveraging emerging technology for efficiency gains and operational improvements 

 influencing opportunities for the city to participate in the future electricity smart grid. 

Visit www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/environment/energy-conservation-564.html