By Meg Kennedy<\/p>\n
A local community group has \u2018switched on\u2019 to cheaper and renewable electricity usage, thanks to a grant from a nearby wind farm.
\nBallan & District Community House was last year the recipient of a $1500 grant from Hepburn Wind to install energy efficient LED lights, and the results have spoken for themselves.
\nFacility Manager Rodney Browne said the grants, part of the Hepburn Wind Energy Fund, have enabled the Community House to replace a significant portion of the most often used fluorescent lighting with more energy efficient LED lights.
\n\u201cThe improvement in the quality of lighting in the offices and common areas was immediately noticeable as they were brighter, more even and consistent and contribute positively to the general appearance and attractiveness of the spaces,\u201d said Mr Browne.
\nOn top of the visual benefits, the lights are helping to dramatically cut the facilities energy bills.
\nThe combined installation of solar panels and replacement of older lighting has dropped their quarterly electricity bills from roughly $600 dollars to $170.
\n\u201cFor a small community centre a saving of between $300 and $400 per quarter is significant and has enabled the Community House to redeploy these resources to other projects and activities for the community such as the new Community Artspace and the Ballan Film Society.\u201d
\nNot only is the House saving on power, they\u2019re dramatically cutting down emissions.
\nMr Brown noted the facility has cut its energy usage from roughly 1883 kilowatts of electricity to 869 kilowatts.
\nThe new lights join the installation of a $8,900 solar system, which powers the entire building, helping dramatically decrease energy use and cost.
\nHepburn Wind\u2019s General Manager Taryn Lane said the community solar installations are part of a broader aim from Hepburn Wind to help local communities cut their emissions and energy expenses.
\nHepburn Wind has donated solar systems to various community buildings throughout Daylesford and are now extending their radius to include close-by Moorabool areas, such as Ballan.
\nBallan Community House was also part of the Ballarat-based BREAZE Community Power Hub, which assists renewable energy projects in the region.
\n \u201cBallan lands in that sweep zone and we just really want to see this whole district reach 100 per cent renewable. So, if we can contribute to that, that\u2019s great,\u201d said Ms Lane.
\n\u201cIf there are other community centres that are interested, they can reach out to us,\u201d she said.
\nMore information on the Hepburn Wind Energy Fund can be found by visiting http:\/\/hepburnwind.com.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Meg Kennedy A local community group has \u2018switched on\u2019 to cheaper and renewable electricity usage, thanks to a grant from a nearby wind farm. Ballan & District Community House was last year the recipient of a $1500 grant from Hepburn Wind to install energy efficient LED lights, and the results have spoken for themselves. […]<\/p>\n