Three community power hubs will be established in regional Victoria following a $900,000 Victorian Government investment in renewable energy.
The Latrobe Valley will have one of the pilot community power hubs, with others in Bendigo and Ballarat.
The community-owned and operated hubs will drive investment in regional Victoria, create jobs and help reduce household electricity bills.
Each hub will be hosted by a local not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation, which will receive the resources, legal advice and technical expertise, as well as start-up funding, to successfully implement energy projects in their community.
Eligible projects might include ‘solar gardens’ and community wind farms.
Early calculations suggest the facilities could generate up to 784kWh – boosting the reliability of the local power grid, creating local jobs and supporting the growth of local businesses.
Expressions of interest to host a pilot community power hub are now open.
For more information and to apply, visit http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/services-and-advice/funding/pilot-community-power-hub