Central Coast Council has partnered with five Hunter-based councils to combine selected electricity requirements into a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement.
The Agreement with MOJO Power, which commenced in January, combined the participating councils’ electricity requirements of 100GWh for large sites and street lighting, and was expected to increase sources and consumption of renewable energy within the councils’ regions.
Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Natalia Cowley said combining the Coast’s energy load with neighbouring local government areas to increase purchasing power helped leverage competitive market pricing and made good commercial sense.
“Over the past 12 months Council has taken decisive action to implement cost management measures without largely impacting on the services it delivers to the community,” Cowley said.
“This Power Purchase Agreement provides Council with value for money, increases our use of renewable energy sources and further demonstrates Council’s steadfast commitment to productivity improvements.”
Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was delivering on its commitment to incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency in future design and planning.
“This agreement demonstrates such sentiment extends beyond the borders of Central Coast Council’s boundary and recognises a commitment to sustainability and long-term financial stability across participating local government areas,” Hart said.
Council said the agreement followed an open tender process run in September 2021, with the winning bid from MOJO Power providing the best value for money outcome.
The other five councils participating in the agreement were Lake Macquarie City Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Muswellbrook Shire Council.
More information is available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/servicesandrates
Primary information source: Media release, Central Coast Council Jan 10, 2022