Energise Gloucester Newsletter No 15

Jan 1, 2019

Chairman’s Note

Happy New Year to You All

2019 will be important for Energise Gloucester as we seek to bring several new projects into operation and continue to explore opportunities for community energy.

2019 will also see state and federal political parties announcing their energy policies and hopefully some opportunities for us to apply for support and funding. Your Committee is preparing to ask all candidates about their ideas for community energy and specifically how they propose to support Energise Gloucester and our projects. Answers from Candidates will be published in future newsletters and the local paper.

Unfortunately, the solar bulk-buy scheme by Farming the Sun has had to cease as discussed below.

Since the AGM we have been able to fill the 2 casual vacancies on the Committee. We welcome David Francis and Nena Hicks to the Committee and they will give us increased personnel resources for this year.

A very supportive discussion was held with Paul DeSzell, Director Community Spaces and Services of MidCoast Council. EG projects and ideas were presented and we received names of people for us t to contact in Council with project details.

Yours with energy,
David Marston
Chair

Project Updates

Bulk Buy

Farming the Sun has advised us that "they have re-assessed the market and decided that it is no longer viable to support a bulk-buy program. The competition in the market has increased considerably in the last 6-12 months. The political impasse on the future renewable energy targets is also taking effect, particularly with the upcoming NSW and Federal elections creating a further lull awaiting the new government and their policies.

"There is good reason to be optimistic about positive changes being just around the corner. Given the current drought and heatwave, they can't come soon enough! The current NSW Government has indicated that new community energy funding is soon to be announced. Some of the federal election policies, such as Labor and the Greens, bode well for Renewable Energy. Plus, the ongoing market competitiveness is mostly good for consumers (poor quality options aside), albeit not for the particular needs of a community bulk- buy program.

"These possible shifts may alter the viability for community-bulk programs. However, our sense is that this shift is at least 6-12 months away in time. Unfortunately, it isn't possible or preferable to have our programs limping along in the interim period.

"There were some inquiries last year from the greater Gloucester region. Eco Energy will honour all those that went through with the last bulk-buy block (which closed at the end of 2018). Eco Energy are also willing to provide quotes to any of those still outstanding, however, these will be outside the bulk-buy program."

Energise Gloucester will continue contact with Farming the Sun and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

Community Solar Farm

Work is continuing to specify the requirements for the detailed feasibility study and then secure funding. EG will also be having discussions with possible equipment providers and similar projects around Australia. We have met with Council and determined that their planning requirements will be a Statement of Environmental Effects and not a full EIS. Further discussions will determine the cost.

Solar for Renters

Following a meeting with MidCoast Council, we will be following up a possibility of using Council housing as a test case for this project.

Other Roof Opportunities

EG Committee members are continuing discussions with several possible roof projects. These include the Primary School, Uniting and Churches. A meeting with the Anglicancare Nursing Home indicated that they are designing their facility with an extensive solar battery system for emergency lighting.

Five energy-saving tips to keep you cool and comfortable

Stop battling with heatwaves: it's time to conquer summer with our energy-saving tips to keep you cool and comfortable.

Become a fan of the fan
The breeze from ceiling fans can go a long way to making everyone in your home feel cooler, even though the temperature of the room may not change much. Try spraying a water mist bottle on to your face and body for an instant cooling satisfaction/effect/feeling. Plus, ceiling fans only cost a few cents a day to run.

Become a fan of the fan
Listen to the weather!
Turn on the air conditioner early - if you expect a hot day, don't wait until your home is already sweltering. Your air conditioner will have to work extra hard and it will take much longer to cool your home if it's already super hot and it costs more. Time your comfort! Set your air conditioner at the highest temperature setting at which you still feel cool enough to turn on before you get home.
If you can't handle the heat get out of the kitchen!
Turn those hot days into lazy days - the washing machine and dishwasher can wait. Don't turn them on until you're ready for bed. Big appliances especially in the kitchen can be like big heaters and can make your hse warmer. Avoid the oven and grill, take-out anyone?
Avoid satin sheets
Satin sheets may be romantic, but they'll definitely make you sweat on a hot night! Try cotton sheets and light- coloured bed linen instead. Cotton is breathable so you'll get a better sleep.
Maximise your comfort with a Reposit smart solar and battery system
Finally use energy the way you want while still lowering your power bill. Blast the air conditioner guilt-free out the added cost to your electricity bill. Working with your solar panels, a smart solar battery system can predict how much electricity your panels will create, and will know when to store this in your battery to lower your power bills. Some electricity plans charge different prices at different times throughout the day for using energy. A smart solar battery, will store the electricity generated from your solar panels in your battery for you to use at night when electricity is most expensive.

When your solar battery is full and your solar panels are producing more energy than your household is using, any energy you use at home during this time is essentially free. Investing in a solar battery with Reposit Power's smart software will save you money while letting you enjoy your air conditioner, day or night. You can sit back and relax, without the stress about your upcoming power bill.
Find out more about Reposit's smart monitoring software, or get in touch today at: hello@repositpower.com

We can help you find the right system for your home to help lower your power bill without compromising on your comfort so you don't have to break a sweat.

Reproduced from and with acknowledgement to Reposit