A new consortium is working to establish Australia’s first community owned retailer, with big plans to build, generate and sell renewable energy in the northern rivers region of NSW around Byron Bay and Lismore.
Northern Rivers Energy is being formed by a consortium of “forward thinking citizens” after winning a $54,000 grant to develop a business plan and conduct a feasibility study. The plan includes creating a company with energy retailing as well as an asset management arm that could invest in generation, help finance rooftop solar and distributed generation for poorer households and, maybe some time down the track, even help buy back the grid.
Community owned retailers are common in Europe and the US, particularly in Germany where it is common for retailers and local network operators to be owned by local councils. In recent years, many of the network management contracts have returned to community ownership out of frustration with the actions ~ or lack of them ~ of major utilities.
The consortium hopes that the retailer can be in place in 2015. So far it is being cautious about predicting the size and scope of the business until it has completed its feasibility study.
Those interested are invited to go to Northern Rivers Energy and register to obtain more information or participate in the project.
Funding for the feasibility study has been provided by the NSW Office of Environment Heritage, with the process being led by the Total Environment Centre. Starfish Initiatives is a project partner.
Re-post of Australia’s first community energy retailer | REnewEconomy
Calendar subscribe
