Seven RAMJO Councils have secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia through to the end of 2030, as part of a buyer’s group facilitating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 13 regional councils in New South Wales.
The agreements secure the supply of over 390 gigawatt hours of electricity to 163 large council sites and streetlighting across regional NSW, ensuring consistent and reliable energy for essential infrastructure.
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA was co-ordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, along with advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group and Baker Mackenzie. By collaborating, the participating councils increased their collective buying power to secure a competitive deal and reduced the procurement costs by sharing resources and fees.
By participating in the PPA, Berrigan Shire Council, Edward River Council, Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire Council, Murray River Council, Murrumbidgee Council and Narrandera Shire Council will benefit in several ways:
Emissions Reduction: By opting for renewable energy to power large sites and streetlighting, the councils will avoid an estimated 185,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t/CO2e). Securing renewable energy though this deal helps the group to decarbonise their operations and aligns the councils with local, state and national net zero targets.
Cost savings and budget certainty: By purchasing as a group of 13 councils across the state, we have been able to lock in renewable electricity at a competitive price through to the end of 2030. The deal also shields councils from volatility in the electricity market that can unexpectedly increase council’s costs, giving us long-term budget certainty.
Supporting regional economies: Renewable energy purchased under this deal will come from several of Iberdrola Australia’s NSW-based renewable energy projects, the Capital Wind Farm, the Avonlie Solar Farm and the Bodangora Wind Farm, supporting the economy of regional NSW by creating jobs and fostering the growth of new energy sectors. This commitment contributes to the development of a sustainable energy future throughout NSW.