ERC Secures Long-Term Electricity Supply Contract

Published on 01 November 2024

Edward River Council is pleased to announce that it has secured an electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia through to the end of 2030 as part of a buyer's group facilitating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 13 regional councils in New South Wales.

The agreement secures the supply of over 390 gigawatt hours of electricity to 163 large council sites and streetlighting across regional NSW, ensuring consistent and reliable energy for essential infrastructure.

The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, along with advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and Baker Mackenzie, making the PPA tender process more accessible for smaller councils.

By collaborating, the participating councils increased their collective buying power to secure a competitive deal and reduced the procurement costs by sharing resources and fees.

By participating in this PPA, Edward River Council will benefit in several ways:

Cost-Savings: By purchasing as a group, we have achieved a competitive electricity price until 2030, saving council an estimated $13,747 over the duration of the agreement (compared to current electricity costs).

Budget Certainty: Locking in energy prices until 2030 shields our council from volatility in the electricity market that can unexpectedly increase council’s costs, ensuring long-term budget stability.

Mayor of Edward River Council, Cr Ashley Hall remarked on the importance of the stability that the PPA represents: “This agreement marks a significant milestone for our council. By securing a stable and predictable electricity price through to 2030, we are not only safeguarding our budget but also ensuring a reliable energy supply for our community,” said Cr Hall.

“It shows what Councils can achieve when working together and we are grateful to the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation and our advisory team for their efforts in making this possible.”

The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA exemplifies the power of collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing energy cost challenges faced by regional councils. This initiative not only benefits Edward River Council but also serves as a model for other councils seeking similar stability and savings.

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Media Enquiries:

Phone: Yvette Height 0439 314 408
Email: communications@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au