Edward River and Murray River one among 13 regional councils to entered into a collective Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Iberdrola Australia through to the end of 2030.
Under the agreement, Murray River will save an estimated $413,498, while Edward River will save just over $13,000.
The agreement secures the supply of more than 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.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall said 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.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for our council,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
ERC said the Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA exemplifies the power of collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing energy cost challenges faced by regional councils.
It said this initiative not only benefits Edward River Council, but also serves as a model for other councils seeking similar stability and savings.
By participating in this PPA, Edward River Council is expected to benefit in several ways, including:
• Cost savings: By purchasing as a group, council has 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 council from volatility in the electricity market that can unexpectedly increase council’s costs, ensuring long-term budget stability.
Renewable energy purchased under this deal will come from NSW power stations - the Capital Wind Farm, Avonlie Solar Farm and Bodangora Wind Farm - thus supporting the economy of regional NSW by creating jobs and fostering the growth of new energy sectors.
This commitment contributes to the development of sustainable energy future throughout NSW.
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