Chairman’s Note
Season's Greetings to you all.
What a great first year we have had as you can see from our project updates. Not resting on our laurels, your EG Committee is planning a number of new public events in 2018 and will continue to look for new projects.
Nationally a lot is happening to expand Community Energy programs and awareness so energy prices and policies are often in the news these days.
We are pleased that AGL has confirmed that it will close the Liddell Power Station in 2022 as planned. It will make investments in gas, renewables and battery storage as part of the NSW Generation Plan and it is also exploring the feasibility of a pumped hydro project in the Hunter region. This is an important investment that reflects the changing needs of the market and improvements in technology. AGL said that "This plan demonstrates that old power plants can be replaced with a mixture of new, cleaner technology while improving reliability and affordability".
Yours with energy,
David Marston
Chair
Project Updates
Neighbourhood Centre Solar PV
This project is almost at the installation stage. As soon as BWNG's electricity provider (AGL) installs a net meter, our contractor (AW Solar) will construct the system and turn it on. The PV system of 120 panels will then be providing an average of 80% of the Centre's electricity.
Energy Efficiency Audit
We are still waiting to hear about the status of our application to the Federal Government for funding.
Community Solar Energy Farm
Energise Gloucester is undertaking a technical feasibility and gross costing study for a series of 500kW generation units using solar panels. We are working to be able to provide information on this early in 2018.
Other Solar projects
Energise Gloucester and the Gloucester Bowling Club had a series of discussions in 2017 about solar PV for Club. We are very pleased to see that the Bowling Club is installing its own Solar System and will be able to fund it using the savings on electricity costs that they can achieve. The Club President has thanked EG for bringing this opportunity to their attention and initiating their investigations. EG wishes them success with the project and is pleased to have been of help.
EG welcomes discussions about other potential installation situations in the district cal information and financial analysis.
Ways to Save
In the Festive Season, it is likely that your entertainment will be around the clock, your appliances are going to be as overworked as you are, and come next year your electricity bill will be a few dollars higher.
The following article reprinted from the "Reposit Newsletter" explains some simple tips to get you through the festive season without a big electricity bill afterwards. They have many other great articles at www.repositpower.com
1. LED lights
Ditch the incandescent bulbs and switch to LED lights – they're more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. The best thing is once installed, you won't have to think about them, LEDs last longer, so consider upgrading this year knowing that you may not have to buy another set of lights for a decade.
2. Set timers
Set timers for all your outdoor electric lighting. Set and forget, your electricity bill will thank you.
3. Solar outdoor decorations
Get solar outdoor decorations, set them up and forget they're even there. Solar decorations charge when the sun is up and turn on at night, saving you the effort of turning your decorations on, not to mention reducing your electricity bill.
4. Cold wash clothes
Wash everyone's clothes in cold water. Although we can't reduce the amount of washing that is headed your way – especially with all the rellies hanging around, we can reduce the impact it will have on your bill. Switch to cold water and put your clothes outside to dry.
5. Non-cooking recipes
Change your Christmas lunch/dinner menu with non-cooking recipes or consider having a potluck. Save time, effort and shave dollars from your power bill.
6. Gaming consoles and gadgets
Don't leave gaming consoles and gadgets running when not in use. We recommend you check with the kids first though so they don't lose their level and you keep your sanity!
7. Standby mode
While we're on tech, don't forget that the standby mode on your TV, DVD player, stereo and laptop still uses energy even when you are not using them, so turn these appliances off at the wall – being plugged in can add up to 10 per cent of your electricity bill.
8. Air conditioner timer
Keep cool your guests cool by setting your air conditioner a timer and using heavy blinds to keep the sun out. Perhaps only use the air conditioner when your PV system is generating.
9. Pool cover
Get a pool cover - it can reduce your running costs by up to 50 per cent annually! It's a simple, quick and effective way to cut your costs. Keep the pool cover on when not in use and reduce water evaporation by around 97 per cent.
10. Energy-efficient appliances
Save time and electricity by using efficient appliances like pressure cookers, slow cooker and electric frypans. They use about half the energy of a full-size oven. Also the smaller the pots and pans the less energy it takes to heat them.
11. Use an esky or two
Entertaining outside? Use an esky or two instead of that second fridge for all holiday beverages on the big day. Not to mention it keeps your guests from leaving your door open and letting all your expensive cool air from escaping.
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