Council slashing operating costs through solar PV projects

Published on 08 June 2021

Mildura Rural City Council is continuing its ongoing push to cut operating costs and carbon emissions with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the Merbein and Ouyen swimming pools earlier this year.

A 10 kilowatt solar PV system was installed at the Merbein Swimming Pool in February and an 8kW solar PV system was installed at the Ouyen Swimming Pool in April.

This follows the installation of a 10kW solar PV system at Red Cliffs Swimming Pool in October 2019 which reduced grid electricity consumption at the site by 21% and electricity costs by over $2000 in the first year.

Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jodi Reynolds said the three projects were part of Council’s broader aim to cut carbon emissions and respond to the climate emergency.

“We’re leading the way in this space, having installed over 600 kilowatts of solar PV on our buildings and facilities, the most of any local government in the Loddon Mallee region,” Cr Reynolds said.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, which is making a real difference financially and environmentally, and will continue to look at other ways our organisation and our region can drive down electricity costs and carbon emissions.”

ENDS