New, renewable energies are changing the way we get our energy. We are no longer reliant entirely on power from the big energy generators and companies.
We need to make sure that communities benefit from the renewable energy. The Community Energy model gives local towns and regions power over how they generate and consume electricity.
Join us at a Community Energy Forum on Friday 3rd August at BPACC and find out what community energy means for you and our region.
Locally generated renewable energy will create local jobs, cleaner energy and allow the community to control where their energy comes from. It means that towns can create mini-grids, where residents can trade power between themselves – powered by household solar and battery energy. This reduces reliance on the dirty and expensive national energy grid.
A local community energy retailer is currently being developed to allow towns and regions to achieve their renewable energy goals.
Come along and listen to some of Australia's foremost experts in the field explain how we can harness this new form of energy to build a new model of energy.
Three great speakers will outline what community energy is and how we can benefit from it: Simon Corbell, Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate; Nicky Ison, Co-founder of the Community Power Agency; Alison Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Moreland Energy Foundation.
This is a free event but please RSVP for the Benalla meeting by 3 August at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/benalla-community-energy-forum-tickets-47537010478

Download the Forum Flyer.

The following morning REB committee members including John Lloyd and Peter Maddock met with Kristi  and members of her team at a breakfast meeting to find out more about the proposal and share a community perspective. 
​​
Other resources:   
Lightsource BP 
Information Sheets about the Lightsource BP Solar Farm Proposal. ​

Renewable Energy Benalla's Efficiency Group is conducting a series of workshops commencing Tuesday 22nd of May, from 7.00 until 9.00pm at the Benalla Gliding Club, Samaria Road, Benalla. RSVP Sunday before Session.



​Titled “Wipe Out your Gas and Electricity Bills - Come and Find Out How” the series looks at options to improve energy efficiency in our homes.  These improvements can increase the comfort of our homes and reduce energy costs. 

The series commences with an overview of how energy efficiency supports the Renewable Energy Benalla goal of Benalla becoming a Net Zero Stationary Energy City by 2028.

Session 1 - Tuesday 22 May:  Overview of project. Hear about the new Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard.  Major emphasis on reading your meter to establish baseline energy use. Please bring in your power bills.

Session 2 - Tuesday 26 June -  Lighting, Draft Proofing and Insulation.

Session 3 - Tuesday 24 July - Windows, Appliances & Cooking and Heating & Cooling.

Session 4 - Tuesday 21 August -  Hot Water, Energy Monitoring & Control and Solar Power. 

We encourage you to bring in your power bills to establish your baseline energy use.

Full details in REB's  'Wipe Out Gas and Electricity Bills'  flyer.

A light supper will be available at the end of the evenings.

RSVP below by the Sunday before a session, if necessary adding information about additional participants in the Comments Box, OR phone Peter 0418 135 330, AH Howard 0409 504 420

Two information sessions held in April brought approximately 150 residents and business owners to BPACC keen to find out more about the Renewable Energy Benalla and Mondo Power battery ready solar bulk buy offer.   The sessions were most informative, there were many thought provoking questions from the floor and some misconceptions cleared up - for example, to be part of a microgrid, it's not necessary to be in a grid organised by/with/for neighbours', a micro grid can apply to diverse participants located in Benalla and surrounds.  

REB's partnership with Mondo Power to provide a battery ready solar bulk buy offer for residents and businesses is now open.  With a closing date of July 31st there is still time to consider the options and express your interest. A good starting point is  Mondo Power's 'Benalla Community Energy Project' webpage.   You might find this video - 'TRY & the Yack Mini Grid' helpful, as it describes a similar project.  

If you are considering the Renewable Energy Benalla and Mondo Power's Bulk Buy offer, you may be interested in watching this video, which backgrounds a similar scheme in Yackandandah. 

Mondo Power worked alongside Totally Renewable Yackandandah to develop Yackandandah's Mini Grid. ​

REB Report to BSFG Meeting, 22nd February, 2018
 
The BZE-Benalla Transition Strategy document details three major strategies that need to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero net energy. These strategies are:
                                 i) Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy use,
                                ii) Promote and install local roof top solar,
                                iii) Investigate utility scale renewables, battery storage and micro grids.
 
Mondo Power Bulk Buy Offer

Mondo Power will be presenting their proposal for a bulk buy of panels, monitoring systems and eventually batteries, and the establishment of microgrids, to the Benalla community in early April. This proposal, if accepted by community members, will lead to increased numbers of PV panels on roofs and has the potential to see the establishment of microgrids in Benalla at a future date.
 
Action Plans

Small working groups have started to prepare plans to start on the implementation of the three major strategies mentioned above:

1. Improving energy efficiency of buildings to reduce energy demand and energy bills. This group is planning to conduct a number of sessions based on the Beyond Zero Emissions publication, 'The Energy Freedom    Home'.
2. Investigating suitable roofs for a behind the meter community energy project. Initial focus will be on council owned buildings.
3. Utility scale - investigating the possibility of a waste to energy project.

 
Offer of assistance from solar farm developer

FRV Services Australia, a Solar Farm Developer, has approached BSFG/REB to offer assistance.
This is part of the community engagement and benefit sharing by renewable energy project developers required by the Victorian government if they wish to be involved in the VRET.
Financial support is certainly part of this assistance being offered and there may be other forms of assistance as well.
 
Indi Energy Action Group

Cathy McGowan, Federal Member for Indi, has established an Indi Energy Action Group to promote and support community energy groups across the electorate of Indi.
 
Community Energy Retailer

Work is being done to investigate the possibility of establishing a community energy retailer in north-east Victoria. The proposed community energy retailer would be a decentralised energy retailer providing a platform for local communities to achieve community energy goals and access locally generated renewable energy.
 
John Lloyd,
​Renewable Energy Benalla 

The Transition Strategy developed by Beyond Zero Emissions and Renewable Energy Benalla included information on Benalla's greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. This data collected for 2016 establishes a baseline against which progress in reducing emissions and moving towards 100% renewable energy can be measured.

In 2016, emissions relating to stationary energy for Benalla were 189,785 tonnes CO2-e. Total energy use between 2012 and 2016 increased by 2.7%, representing a 3% increase in electricity consumption and 2% increase in gas use.

In 2016 the industrial sector was the largest consumer of electricity at 48%, compared to 33% residential and 19% commercial. Similarly, the industrial sector consumed 63% of gas, the residential sector 29% and the commercial sector 8%. Industrial electricity is the sector contributing the largest to Benalla’s GHG profile.

The number of households in Benalla Rural City rose from 6,343 in 2012 to 6,517 in 2016. During this time electricity consumption per household per day reduced from 18.3 kWh to 17.9 kWh.

Some major points from the Benalla Baseline Emissions Report show that within the Benalla municipality in 2016:

• 1.07 million GJ energy was used
• 189,785 tonnes CO2-e was produced
• Approximately $32 million was spent on stationary energy by the community
• The community spent approximately $2,389 per person on stationary energy

Originally Published in the December 2017 BSFG Newsletter.

In October REB held a Benalla Business Breakfast with the support of Benalla Rural City, and the Benalla Business Network. The purpose of the breakfast was to open up communication with the business community about a renewable energy future for Benalla. Key elements of the BZE transition plan for Benalla were presented as were key findings from the Energy Survey of Benalla Businesses. It was also an opportunity for local businesses to share their experiences of reducing their energy use and/or generating some or all of their energy needs. Information was also provided on funding options and grants available to businesses to assist with costs of implementing options to reduce energy use and/or generate energy.

Transition Strategy

REB has been working with Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) to develop a ten year transition strategy for Benalla to achieve 100% renewable energy. This transition plan was completed in November and details
three key strategies that need to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero net energy. These strategies are:
​
i) Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy use,
ii) Promote and install local roof top solar,
iii) Investigate utility scale renewables,battery storage and micro grids.

On 28th November, Renewable Energy Benalla and Beyond Zero Emissions, with support from Benalla
Rural City Council, held a community forum and workshop to launch the transition strategy and to explore opportunities for energy efficiency, roof top solar, bulk buy programs, community energy projects and the potential for utility scale renewable energy. As a result of this workshop a number of community members volunteered to form small action groups to help Renewable Energy Benalla implement each of the three strategies mentioned above.

John Lloyd

Source:  BSFG December Newsletter 2017

Media Release      

Launch of Renewable Energy Plan for Benalla 

A community forum to launch Benalla's Zero Net Energy Transition Strategy will be held on Tuesday 28th November.  The strategy is a plan for how all of Benalla's energy can come from renewable sources. This forum has been jointly organised by Renewable Energy Benalla and Beyond Zero Emissions with support from Benalla council.
 
The community group, Renewable Energy Benalla (REB), was established after the successful community forum held in October 2016 to discuss a renewable energy future for Benalla. The major objective of REB is to have Benalla become a zero net energy town by reducing energy use and balancing local energy needs with a 100% renewable energy supply.
 
In December last year Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), a national not for profit research and communication think tank, whose goal is to have Australia become a renewable energy superpower, selected Benalla as one of the three Victorian communities they would work with to help develop a transition strategy to zero net energy.
 
In May this year REB conducted a community stakeholder workshop in conjunction with Beyond Zero Emissions to seek community input into the development of a transition strategy to 100% renewable energy for Benalla.  Many ideas about possible actions to achieve zero net energy for Benalla were put forward under the three headings of: Buildings and Energy Efficiency; Solar and Community Energy; Large Scale Solar and Storage. These ideas have formed the basis of the transition strategy.
 
John Lloyd, Convenor of Renewable Energy Benalla, said, "As well as launching the transition strategy the purpose of the forum will be to explore opportunities for energy efficiency, roof top solar, bulk buy programs, community energy projects, battery storage and large scale energy projects. We will also be looking to establish action groups to help REB drive each of these opportunities. We will need the help of community members if we are to make this happen."
 
The forum will be held at BPACC on Monday 28th November from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome.

For further information contact John Lloyd at  andrewslloyd@iinet.net.au
 
 
John Lloyd
President, Benalla Sustainable Future Group
Convenor, Renewable Energy Benalla

A message from BSFG President John Lloyd with a date for our diaries....
'I have attached a notice about a Community Energy Forum from Totally Renewable Yackandandah to be followed  by Festival of Dangerous Ideas discussion groups at Yackandandah.  The speaker line up is truly amazing.  I hope some of you can attend.  John Lloyd'

'Community Renewable Energy - A Way Forward'

"Totally Renewable Yackandandah are convening this timely forum to discuss and share knowledge of developments and opportunities for community renewable energy. Leading keynote speakers include Dr John Hewson (past Leader of the Federal Liberal Party); Dr Kate Auty (past Victorian Government Environment Commissioner, and current Commissioner in the ACT;  and Dan Cass (The Australia Institute Energy Expert). They will inspire and provoke! As will other speakers to be announced. Totally Renewable Yackandandah will also discuss their projects .

We are expecting participants from around Victoria and southern NSW. Join in more in-depth discussion groups immediately after the forum. And after that, you are welcome to join our annual street party - with music, food and cultural and activities - we'll show you a good time!" 

On Friday 1 December 2017 at 12:00pm - 3.30 pm 

LOCATION Yackandandah Public Hall
36 High Street, Yackandandah , Victoria 3749

The Forum will be followed by Group Workshop sessons.

For more information, download flier below.
For bookings - https://www.trybooking.com/322586

Renewable Energy for Benalla is conducting an energy audit to identify options to assist Benalla businesses to

1. provide tips to reduce energy use
2. save money on bills
3. identify interest in group buy-in opportunities
4. review the latest technology systems being developed to mordernise Victoria's energy grid including battery storage, micro-grids, internet enabled devices and potential partners for a Benalla Energy Model.

To help out, complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BenallaEnergy4BusinessSurvey 

The Renewable Energy for Benalla (REB) Action Group is currently planning a workshop on reducing energy costs for business. REB has been working closely with Benalla Business Network, Catherine Macmillan, Business Development Coordinator for Benalla council, and Sustainability Victoria to plan this workshop.

REB has developed a questionnaire to survey energy use by business that will be distributed through the
Business Network. This will provide some base line data on energy use in the business/industry sector and will help with planning of the workshop.

​REB members have started to make some preliminary investigations about a suitable community energy
project.

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) Involvement

At the recent EcoCity World Summit in Melbourne, BZE launched the Zero Carbon Communities Guide in which REB features, as do the other two communities BZE is working with, Baw Baw and Nillimbuk. attended the launch as did representatives from the other two communities.

REB has recently received the first draft of a ten year transition strategy to 100% renewable energy. There is much work to be done on this document before it is finalised.

​John Lloyd

​As part of the involvement of Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) we had a successful workshop on May 1st jointly conducted with Imogen Jubb from BZE involving a number of local stakeholders with an interest in renewable energy, including businesses and agencies.

There were presentations from Totally Renewable Yackandandah and the Strathbogie Pumped Hydro Project as well as input from government agencies and Ausnet Services. A Baseline Emissions Report for Benalla that had been prepared by BZE was also presented.

Many ideas about possible actions to eliminate emissions in Benalla were put forward under the three headings of: Buildings and Energy Efficiency; Solar and Community Energy; Utility Scale and Storage. These ideas will form the basis of a transition strategy to 100% renewable energy.

REB has been discussing a communication strategy to connect with the community. The development of a website and design of a logo are seen to be important parts of this strategy. We have applied for a Climate Action Network Australia grant to fund these developments.

REB is also interested in making contact with youth and will seek assistance from Benalla Council's Youth Project Coordinator.

We are also seeking to make contact with the Benalla developer who has a permit for a new housing development on the old woollen mill site. We would like to talk to him about the possibility of making this a 'model' development for solar access and energy efficient homes.

​John Lloyd

This report was originally published in Benalla Sustainable Future Group's May Newsletter.  ​

Renewable Energy for Benalla Action Group

The REB Action Group was established from self-nominated interested members of the community who
attended the Benalla Renewable Energy Future Forum in October 2016.

The REB Action Group will work in collaboration with the community and relevant organisations to achieve the following objectives:

• Promote energy efficiency and reduce energy use within the community
• Create awareness, promotion and support for renewable energy by the community
• Develop a Future Energy Plan for Benalla to transition to zero net energy
• Achieve a significant increase in local renewable energy generation
• Keep increased financial benefits locally

As well as these major objectives the REB Action Group has developed an Action Plan which identifies key tasks to be achieved over the next 6 months and the members who are to undertake the tasks.

The REB Action Group will make regular reports to the community.

Beyond Zero Emissions Support

Benalla has been selected as one of the three Victorian communities to be part of the BZE Zero Carbon
Communities Project.  BZE will support Benalla to develop a 10 year 100% renewable energy transition strategy in the energy use and building sectors. BZE will work with our community over the next 10 months (until October) to develop this strategy.

The BZE contribution will include:

• Developing a baseline of emissions across energy consumption and buildings
• Two community engagement workshops, one of which will focus on businesses
• Reports for potential for renewable technologies in the region.

New Energy Jobs Fund

BSFG (REB), with the support of Benalla Rural City Council, (which includes a co-contribution of $20,000 if successful), has applied to the Victorian government's New Energy Jobs Fund for $50,000 to fund the development of a Benalla Future Energy Plan which will outline how to achieve becoming a zero net energy town by:
​
• Following the established Z-Net Blueprint least cost approach. (for further information see www.z-net.org.au
*Identifying the characteristics of Benalla and the community and existing energy use.• Defining current and likely future energy requirements
• Identifying options for reducing energy use.
• Investigating which renewable energy options are feasible, viable and desirable by the community
and therefore will work best in Benalla.
• Assisting low income households, renters and businesses to invest in energy efficiencies and
access renewable energy opportunities.
• Undertaking two feasibility studies for renewable energy projects which can be replicated for
additional future projects (small and large scale opportunities).

John Lloyd

The Planning and Development Committee meeting of Benalla Council on Wednesday 25th January approved making a joint application with BSFG to the New Energy Jobs Fund for funding to conduct a feasibility study of renewable energy options for Benalla and the preparation of a Future Energy Plan.

Council also agreed to make a co-contribution of $20,000 if the application is successful.  The financial matter was passed with the support of councillors Barbara Alexander, Peter Davis and Scott Upton.
 
Those two matters were the recommendations from Larissa Montgomery’s very comprehensive report to council.  John Lloyd, BSFG President, would like to thank Larissa for all her work on this and to thank all those members of BSFG who came to the meeting to show their support for Larissa, himself and the Renewable Energy for Benalla project.

Note - If you would like to read Larissa's report you will find it by opening this link to the Agenda for the Meeting starting on page 10.  

A Community Forum was held in October to discuss a future clean energy plan for Benalla. Ninety people attended to hear about the benefits of community owned renewable energy and to hear how other towns were planning for a renewable energy future.

Community renewable energy projects strengthen local economies by:

• developing renewable energy industries,
• providing jobs and training and
• keeping the financial benefits within the local community.

Such projects also educate people about renewable energy and involve them in creating a sustainable lowcarbon future. The Victorian Government is encouraging local communities to transition to a clean energy future and have established the New Energy Jobs Fund to support communities across Victoria that would like to initiate renewable energy projects.

Following presentations by the guest speakers, attendees were asked to form small groups to discuss what they saw as the key opportunities and challenges of exploring a renewable energy project for Benalla.  Groups recorded their ideas which will be used as the basis for planning a renewable energy future for Benalla.

A Renewable Energy Working Party has been formed to progress the project of developing a future renewable energy plan for Benalla and has established the following key objectives:
​

• Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use in Benalla.
• Promote awareness and support for renewable energy by the Benalla community and Council.
• Develop a Future Energy plan for Benalla.
• Encourage significant increase in local energy generation in Benalla.
• Increase and keep the financial benefits of renewable energy generation locally.

A submission for funding to support this project will be made to the Victorian government's New Energy Jobs Fund. The second funding round is now open and will close on March 1st .

​John Lloyd

Source:   BSFG Newsletter, December 2016

A very successful Renewable Energy Forum was held at BPACC with over 90 people attending.  The forum was facilitated by Cath Botta from The Regional Development Company Wangaratta.  

​BSFG President John Lloyd introduced the forum then called upon Steph Ryan, Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Member of the Legislative Assembly seat of Euroa to officially open the forum.

The forum then heard from the invited guest speakers,  
Taryn Lane - Embark and advisor to Coalition for Community Energy
Mathew Charles-Jones - Totally Renewable Yackandandah and
Gavin Ashley - Moreland Energy Foundation.

​John Lloyd and each of the speakers presentations can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on their linked names above.

A number of times presenters pointed out that the transition to a renewable energy future will be assisted by using less energy, by increasing energy efficiency, then by evaluating renewable energy generation capabilities in the region.

Cath Botta then asked the forum to break into small groups to consider and discuss a number of questions and to write down key ideas coming out of this.  Each group then gave a brief report on their ideas. 
​
John Lloyd concluded the forum with the Next Steps in the Benalla Renewable Energy Project.

Establish A Community Working Party
Community members needed to form a working party to move this project forward.
Beneficial to have a range of backgrounds including some business/commercial.
Working party to keep community informed of progress.
Complete A Funding Application
Benalla Sustainable Future Group with council support to apply for funding from New Energy Jobs        Fund – early 2017. Community input important.
Funding would be to conduct a feasibility study of renewable energy options for Benalla and to develop a Future Energy Plan for Benalla.

John Lloyd thanked those involved in assisting with the forum, in particular the support from Benalla Rural City Council and Larissa Montgomery, Councils Environmental Sustainability Coordinator.

BSFG President John Lloyd introducing the forum on October 18.

Useful links from the forum
Embark
Coalition for Community Energy
Totally Renewable Yackandandah
Moreland Energy Foundation-Zero Net Energy Town
Zero Net Energy Town Z-NET
The Regional Development Company Wangaratta

Benalla Sustainable Future Group is organising a community forum to discuss a 100% renewable energy future for Benalla.

While a significant number of households and businesses in Benalla have installed rooftop solar panels, it is time to look towards becoming a clean energy community. This would mean that Benalla would no longer rely on fossil fuel based energy which is a major contributor to green-house gas emissions.
 
The community forum will consider the development of a renewable energy future for Benalla.  Guest speakers will explain how other towns are planning for a renewable energy future, the benefits of community renewable energy, and what some of the options are for Benalla. Community members will be invited to provide input into the discussion and also invited to get involved in shaping a future clean energy plan for Benalla.
 
This is an important development for the Benalla community and I would encourage everyone to attend the public forum and become involved in helping to develop a future clean energy plan for Benalla.
I have attached a publicity flyer about the forum. Please pass this information on to others who may be interested.  Or you can download the flyer here, Community Energy Forum Flyer.

​John Lloyd
President, Benalla Sustainable Future group

BSFG recently made a presentation to council about community renewable energy, including seeking support from council to apply for funding from the New Energy Jobs Fund to develop a Future Energy Plan for Benalla.  

The council asked Larissa Montgomery and Veronica Schilling to write a report which will be presented to the Policy and Development Committee on Wednesday 15th June. The report is very detailed and very positive and well worth reading.

This report is included in the agenda documents for the Policy & Development committee meeting of June 15th  (refer pages 20 to 26) on the council website,  The recommendations in the report are very positive.
 
This meeting is a public meeting, as was the meeting in May when I made the presentation on behalf of BSFG. I was overwhelmed by the number of BSFG members who came along to that meeting to support the presentation.

The meeting on Wednesday 15th is another important meeting as the council's Policy & Development committee will decide whether they accept the recommendations and what actions they will take.

​Once again I believe it would be a good idea if some members of BSFG were in attendance to hear the discussion and the decision that council makes about this issue.

The report is the third item on the agenda and should be discussed shortly after 6 pm.  If you intend to go to hear the discussion and the decision you should probably arrive by 6 pm or very shortly after. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers in Mair Street.

John Lloyd,
BSFG President