Free support for non-profits to cut energy bills and embrace renewables

A HIGHLY successful program supporting not-for-profit organisations across the region to develop and implement renewable energy projects will continue this year, running through to June 2025.

Managed by Geelong Sustainability with support and grant funding from the Geelong Community Foundation, the Community Power Hub initiative offers free independent support and expert advice to organisations on how to significantly reduce energy bills and navigate the complexities of transitioning to renewable energy.

The hub offers participating organisations across Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, Queenscliff and Golden Plains, a wide variety of services depending on the organisation’s individual needs, including energy audits, solar feasibility assessments, and assistance in identifying funding opportunities and in engaging reputable installers.

Rooftop solar remains a popular choice for organisations seeking support from the Community Power Hub, however advice is also available to organisations interested in adopting electric vehicles, undertaking infrastructure upgrades and exploring solar or community batteries.

“The Community Power Hub program continues to be a game-changer for not-for-profits in our region, providing essential support and expertise that empower organisations to make informed decisions about renewable energy adoption and to help them save money,” Geelong Sustainability chief executive Dan Cowdell said.

“We’re here to make the journey from project development to implementation as smooth as possible, enabling organisations to reduce both their energy bills and environmental impact.”

The Community Power Hub launched in 2023, working with 38 not-for-profit organisations in its first year to deliver approximately 137kW of renewable energy, translating to an estimate energy bill saving of $37,000 and a reduction of approximately 160 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Geelong Food Relief is one of the organisations that has recently sought advice from the hub, seeking assistance for challenges related to rising electricity rates, an inefficient use of its existing solar infrastructure and the need to secure additional funding to upgrade its refrigeration systems.

“Emma [Chessell, Geelong Sustainability’s community energy officer] translated the foreign language of the energy sector to help us understand our situation and where cost savings could occur,” Geelong Food Relief chief executive Andrew Schauble said.

“Through an audit of our setup and finding a more suitable contract, we will be saving over a thousand dollars per month which can be redirected back into the community.

“The business case the hub developed for more solar, provided the necessary detail for a new funder to offer their support – benefiting the environment and putting further savings into our community.”

Not-for-profit organisations interested in learning more about how the Community Power Hub can benefit them are encouraged to contact Geelong Sustainability at [email protected] or 1300 133 702.

For more information, head to geelongsustainability.org.au/project/cph