But locally there is a very cheap renewable energy alternative to increasing bills that also invests back into a proposed solar farm.

Community Energy for Goulburn (CE4G), the community group building the community solar farm, has done a deal with low cost retailer Energy Locals.

CE4G president Ed Suttle said by using Energy Locals, some of the profits would stay in the region. 

“Energy Locals have committed to keep some of the revenue in Goulburn to assist financing the development of the solar farm,” Mr Suttle said. 

“They are the cheapest electricity supplier in the country according to the Federal Government website energymadeeasy.gov.au. They have an easy system to switch retailers and they are happy to return half of their profit margin to the Goulburn community through our partnership.”

“If we can help people get their power bills down, use renewable energy and keep some of the profits in Goulburn, then it’s a win for all of us,” he said.

“All you have to do is to use our code when you sign up.” 

“The revenue CE4G will receive from the agreement with Energy Locals will provide very valuable assistance with the funding of the independent financial study and the preparation of the Public Offer document.” 

The Goulburn Mulwaree Council approved the DA for a 1.2MW solar farm on a 2.5ha site at Bridge St in North Goulburn, near the railway line, in June this year. 

In August, Essential Energy gave provisional approval to pump electricity generated from the solar farm into the grid.  

The next step in building the solar farm is Essential Energy providing detailed costs and requirements for the grid connection. This is expected by the end of October.

“By December, we will obtain tenders from three to four potential builders of the solar farm, while simultaneously negotiating with potential purchasers of the electricity from it,” he said.

“From early 2018, we will obtain an independent final financial analysis of the entire project once costs and revenues are known. We have to ensure the solar farm provide is not only viable but can give good returns to the investors.” 

CE4G are holding an information night on October 12 at Workspace 2580, between 5 and 7pm. For more info visit the CE4G website.