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The 'switch' came into effect on the 1st July 2022 which means that all Council facilities in Lane Cove, including Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, are now powered by 100% renewable energy. This, combined with Council's other energy savings and own solar power generation projects, decreases Council's emissions by 73%, a significant advance on our 80% reduction target set for 2036. 

Council has budgeted to offset its vehicle fleet emissions, which pre-COVID amounted to 7.8% of Council's emissions. If these return to pre COVID levels as expected, Council will have achieved an 80% reduction in its emissions from operations. 

Even without the emissions offset, from 1 July, Council's emissions from operations will be reduced from 2% to 0.5% of the LGA's total emissions. 

This target outperforms the NSW Government's net zero emissions target by 2050 as well as the Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030, to achieve 35% emissions reduction in New South Wales by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). 

How we switched to GreenPower

Lane Cove Council, along with 24 other participating councils, joined one of the largest renewable energy deals for local government which results in our electricity now being supplied by three NSW solar farms. Council fixed renewable energy prices in November 2021 in advance of wholesale electricity prices rising as much as 140% in 2022. Market analysts agree that electricity prices generally, may remain elevated for the next two years. Council's fixed price renewable energy contract provides greater certainty and integrity around cash flow management and financial forecasting.

Worth approximately $180 million, the landmark retail electricity agreement will deliver over 214 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year to 25 councils across NSW. 

It involves the supply of electricity to over 300 major council facilities, more than 210,000 street lights and more than 3,000 small sites managed by councils. The 25 participating councils serve 38% of NSW population. The agreement commenced 1 July 2022 and runs to 2026 with an option to extend to 2030. Lane Cove Council has opted for 100% renewable energy under the agreement to supply our facilities including local street lighting.

Council will also be participating in the next stage of upgrades to LED street lighting which will see street lights along regional roads updated to LED lights. This follows on from Council's recent work to upgrade all local streets to LED lights, a project completed in 2021. 

What can you do? 

Regardless of the type of home you live in, you can still join the renewable energy revolution by signing up for GreenPower. 

When you opt for a GreenPower electricity plan from your electricity provider, your money goes to getting more renewably sourced energy into the electricity grid. A GreenPower electricity plan is a simple alternative for residents and businesses unable to install solar panels – and it's a great supplementary option for rooftop-solar users too. Read more. 

With over 60% of residents in Lane Cove living in apartments, Council is also looking to work with Strata Schemes to help residents access renewable energy and benefit from lower utility bills.

If you are involved in a Strata Scheme then Council would be keen to hear from you via sustainability@lanecove.nsw.gov.au to discuss future measures which could include solar panels, solar heat pumps for hot water, electric vehicle chargers and GreenPower.

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Council supports Plastic Free July, and you can too.