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:

Alpine Shire Council

Glen Eira City Council

Pyrenees Shire Council

Ararat Rural City Council

Golden Plains Shire Council

Borough of Queenscliffe

Ballarat City Council

Hepburn Shire Council

Greater Shepparton City Council

Banyule City Council

Horsham Rural City Council

South Gippsland Shire Council

Bass Coast Shire Council

Indigo Shire Council

Southern Grampians Shire Council

Baw Baw Shire Council

Loddon Shire Council

Stonnington City Council

Greater Bendigo City Council

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Strathbogie Shire Council

Brimbank City Council

Manningham City Council

Surf Coast Shire Council

Buloke Shire Council

Maribyrnong City Council

Swan Hill Rural City Council

Campaspe Shire Council

Maroondah City Council

Rural City of Wangaratta Council

Cardinia Shire Council

Melton City Council

Warrnambool City Council

Central Goldfields Shire Council

Mildura Rural City Council

Wellington Shire Council

Colac Otway Shire Council

Moira Shire Council

Whitehorse City Council

Greater Dandenong City Council

Monash City Council

Whittlesea City Council

Darebin City Council

Moonee Valley City Council

Wodonga City Council

East Gippsland Shire Council

Mount Alexander Shire Council

Wyndham City Council

Greater Geelong City Council

Murrindindi Shire Council

Yarra Ranges Council