The Newstead Community Energy Project will be generating 100% local renewable electricity by the end of August this year.

This is a cutting-edge project forming a partnership with energy retailers Flow Power and community energy group Renewable Newstead.

Flow Power will sell the electricity generated from the farm. The company is known as a ‘gentailer’, meaning they both generate and retail electricity.

Local contractors have completed fencing surrounding the site, and construction materials have been ordered, which are due to arrive in mid-April.

The farm is expected to generate most electricity in the middle of the day when the sun is shining at its brightest. This means that, like rooftop solar, it will be cheaper to use electricity linked to the Newstead solar farm in the middle of the day. A trial is underway with 10 local residents to determine just how much of a difference it will make.

If you live in Newstead and are interested in getting a 100% Greenpower renewable energy product, expressions of interest are being taken, and you can sign up here: www.renewablenewstead.com.au.

If you have questions, you can call during business hours on 0403 801 147.

You won’t be locked into any contract, and once registered, Renewable Newstead will pass on all registered names to Flow Power who will contact people once it is up and running to see if there is still interest in signing up for solar.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 10 March 2023.