Greater Dandenong City Council has celebrated one year of emissions reductions and cost savings through VECO, Australia’s largest ever emissions reduction project by local government.

Greater Dandenong City Council is one of 51 Victorian councils to have slashed energy bills and reduced emissions through the Victorian Energy Collaboration, a joint renewable electricity contract.

The collective investment in Victorian renewables has delivered a 25 per cent saving on electricity over the first 12 months. Savings that can be redirected to critical community services provided by councils.

A long-term contract with Red Energy will continue to protect councils from record high wholesale prices in the coming years and help to increase the stability of the state’s energy system.

Approximately 172,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved by councils in the first 12 months, which is equivalent to powering up to 35,000 homes or taking 66,000 cars off the road.

Initiated by and facilitated with the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, now led by Glen Eira City Council, VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy.

Over the past year VECO has saved Greater Dandenong City Council more than $50,000 on its electricity bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3278 tonnes.

Greater Dandenong City Council Mayor, Cr Eden Foster (pictured), said the savings would help Council realise its vision to become one of Australia’s most sustainable cities by 2030.

“Climate change impacts our environment, society and economy. The VECO program is helping our council to lead the way in reducing our emissions and tackling the threat of climate change.

“This program also shows the value of collaboration in local government. The first year of VECO has delivered fantastic savings, which means the money we would have spent powering our buildings and facilities can now be spent on vital programs and services for our community.

“Effective collaboration has enabled us to deliver stronger climate action, while supporting the Victorian economy, the renewable energy transition and allowing our ratepayers’ dollars to go further,” the Mayor said.

Owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated energy retailer based in Melbourne.

Iain Graham, CEO of Red Energy said: “the VECO contract is a great example of where collaboration across local government can achieve valuable savings on energy costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. At a time of tremendous volatility in the energy market, the deal has delivered 51 councils reliable renewable energy. Given Red Energy is a born and bred Victorian business, we are pleased to be able to support Victorian councils and deliver these results back to Victorian ratepayers”.

The renewable energy is being provided by two wind farms in Victoria — Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake, which started exporting power to the grid in March 2020, and Murra Warra II Wind Farm near Horsham, which started exporting power in February last year.