Parkes Shire Council’s streetlights will be powered by wind energy from next year.
Parkes Shire Council has embraced renewable energy signing a new electricity contract with a wind energy supplier at Wellington.
The new electricity contract with Iberdrola Australia was finalised last week for the supply of energy for Council’s large sites and streetlighting from 1st January next year. The Bodangora Wind Farm near Wellington in NSW will supply the electricity, while Council will also have the option to change to the Flyers Creek Wind Farm near Blayney when it becomes operational.
“We know that electricity prices are skyrocketing, and this new deal means Council has security in terms of pricing in the coming years,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM.
“The eight-year contract is a huge achievement for Council, and we are excited that we have been able to secure such a great deal in the current electricity market.”
Iberdrola Australia Managing Director and CEO Ross Rolfe AO said: “We are delighted to be partnering with councils in the Central NSW and Riverina regions, enabling them to access reliable and affordable clean energy backed by our wind farms and flexible, fast-start assets.
“We have worked with the councils and communities in these regions for many years. These councils have supported the Australian economy’s green energy transition.”
The new contract is for 50% renewable energy, which means Council can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2,318t CO² annually, while also helping to support new renewable energy development.
“We’re all looking for ways to keep costs as low as possible and this contract allows us to do that while reducing our carbon footprint,” said the Mayor.
Central NSW Joint Organisation Chair, Cr Kevin Beatty said: “Collectively, the Central NSW region will source around 78% of its electricity for councils’ large sites and streetlighting from renewable energy under this deal. This is a huge win for the region,” he said.