Time to flick the switch on Paul Fletcher’s big pitch to help councils cut their power bills. Image: Seb
Ratepayers aren’t the only ones who continually suffer from the dreaded ‘bill shock’ – it’s councils themselves that are prone to that sudden adrenaline burst.
But Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher wants to put a stop to that by giving councils across Australia the opportunity to cut their energy bills and reduce emissions as part of a new $250 million loan package under the Australian government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
Mr Fletcher said councils could invest in clean technology across their operations, ranging from street lights to solar panels on offices, community housing, libraries, sports grounds and infrastructure.
“Many councils are already looking at how they can reduce the costs for ratepayers such as switching to LED street lighting. This initiative will help them do that,” Mr Fletcher said.
Not only has local government been a willing participant in the federal government’s plans to address climate change, clean energy and lower emissions, Mr Fletcher insists the new package is also about how local communities can be made more liveable through “greening our towns and cities”.
“Many have already achieved great things, not only in energy efficiency but through initiatives like cutting landfill emissions with better waste management,” Mr Fletcher said.
He said access to flexible and competitive fixed-rate, long-term finance under this program will help local governments in Bradfield make greater savings for their ratepayers while cutting emissions.
According to Mr Fletcher, loans of at least $10 million can be taken out over three years for a single project or package of works, and councils can work together to finance joint projects.
