Energy association calls for members

The Central Coast Community Energy Association has been formed following a number of meetings at the Peninsula Environment Centre over the last few months.

The group, which is now calling for members, aims to own and operate renewable energy generation projects on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Community Energy will run a series of public forums in conjunction with its ordinary meetings that would be open to the public.

The first talk is scheduled for Thursday, November 29, at the Peninsula Environment Centre from 7pm and will look at how to understand your electricity bill.

"Our group is attracting members from across the Coast, people from all sorts of backgrounds, from people with decades of working in the energy sector through to those who have no technical knowledge but a desire to increase renewable energy" said secretary Mr Jo Muller.

"It's really exciting to see what a broad range of the community is interested in this project."

Mr Muller said that the Central Coast Community Energy Association aims to have at least 1000 members by the end of next year which would allow it to establish a co-operative scheme as the business vehicle to own and operate solar, wind or other renewable energy generation on the Coast.

Executive member Ms Kate da Costa said the group would have a stall at Woytopia on October 28 where people could sign up as members on the spot.

"While it takes time to move to a full commercial community owned project, Central Coast Community Energy plans to start off as soon as possible with a pilot project focusing on a mid-scale, 100kW solar PV array," said Ms da Costa.

Central Coast Community Energy chair Mr Dennis Silvers said the group has begun discussions with councils on the Coast already.

"There is a real strategy for community engagement and moves to renewable energy in both councils, as a way of reducing greenhouse gases, avoiding the carbon price and cutting electricity bills" said Mr Silvers.

The Association will also investigate discounts for members on renewable energy or energy saving products and services, and has contacted TAFE to negotiate special courses for members.

Email, 15 Oct 2012

Jo Muller, Central Coast Community Energy Association