Did you know that across the country, there are 105 community energy groups and 50 of these are based in Victoria? That’s why we have partnered with our friends at the Coalition 4 Community Energy (C4CE) to ensure this sector can thrive.
While the federal Coalition buries its head in the sand on climate change, communities are leading on renewable energy at the local level.
Since 2015, Victoria’s Andrews Government has shown leadership by encouraging community energy projects through a number of initiatives. But in the absence of a federal energy policy there are many community energy projects in development that do not have the financial or logistical support needed to reach maturity.
As Victoria’s Parliamentary Inquiry into Community Climate Action gets underway, community owned renewable energy is being embraced across regional Victoria.
If Victoria is going to be the leader in community energy, its vital the state government provides community energy groups the support they need to succeed.
We’re calling on the Andrews Labor government to deliver a plan that will secure Victoria’s place as a community energy leader:
- Set a Community Energy Target of 100MW by 2025 as part of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target, and back it up with a financial mechanism that gives communities the certainty they need to lead on renewables.
- Rollout a Smart Energy Communities program, building on the government’s New Energy Jobs Fund, Community Power Hubs and Z-NET Community Transition pilots
- Create a Solar for All program that delivers solar for renters as well as homeowners.
A plan to mature the community energy sector and ensure access for all Victorians to participate in and benefit from the energy transition is an essential part of action on climate change.
Read more detailed information in this document from C4CE.