Labor commits to community power hub in Barwon region

LABOR’S plan to establish a Community Power Hub in the region will give hardworking local energy groups the backing and support they need to continue their impressive projects.

Candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Mark Butler met with representatives from local energy groups in Barwon Heads on Monday to discuss the plan.

“Power prices have skyrocketed under the Liberals and only Labor will deliver more renewable energy and cheaper power bills,” Ms Coker said.

“The Community Power Hub will help deliver cleaner and cheaper energy by supporting the development and financing of local renewables projects.

“The Barwon Region Alliance for Community Energy have been leading the charge in delivering and advocating for renewable energy throughout our region.

“Labor will back in this coalition of community energy groups in Canberra and support renewable energy projects in Corangamite.”

Ms Coker said the program was aimed at helping renters and social housing residents benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy, by supporting local community renewables projects such as solar gardens on rooftops, community wind farms, energy efficiency upgrades for social housing, and grants for community groups to pilot new projects.

She said the hub would support the development, coordination and financing of local projects to increase the uptake of renewables, including through solar PV and batteries.

“The Barwon South West community is already ahead of the game when it comes to renewable energy with the coalition of community energy groups that have come under the Barwon Region Alliance for Community Energy (BRACE),” she said.

“These community groups include 100% Clean Bellarine, Anglesea Community Energy, Barwon Sustainable Energy Alliance, Colac Otway Sustainability Group, Geelong Sustainability Group, and Surf Coast Energy Group.

“Already these groups have implemented solar PV and battery bulk-buy schemes for residents, the most recent of which resulted in an uptake of over 1.3 MW of rooftop PV, an indication of the level of support for, and commitment to, renewable energy at the local level. Across the communities, they have installed solar power systems for schools and aged care homes using donation and investment models.”