Close to 50 members of the Newstead community participated in a question-and-answer session about the Newstead Community Energy Project on Thursday 22 August, following the launch of the new solar farm. Representatives from project partners Renewable Newstead and Flow Power were on hand to explain the thinking behind the partnership, some technological context and the benefits to consumers for joining the project.

Renewable Newstead Convenor Geoff Park explained that lower electricity bills were only one consideration. “If you’re interested in renewable energy, you’ll want to know more,” he said. “It might be cheaper power this week but it might not be cheaper next week.” 

Flow Power CEO Matthew van der Linden explained that consumers need to become engaged and monitor their energy usage in order to gain the most out of the project. “If you can engage with the energy market, the benefits can be substantial; you can halve your bill,” he said.

Mr van der Linden explained that while Flow Power offers a flat rate, since peak and off-peak times have changed dramatically in recent years, a ‘price efficiency value’ is also applied to customers’ bills to encourage energy efficiency. This is achieved through the use of an app to help make decisions about when to use discretionary power, such as dishwashers or washing machines, which can be functioning during low-demand periods.

Questions from community members indicated some uncertainty about whether to join if they already had solar panels. The responses indicated that the goal is energy efficiency through consumers deciding when to use power, in relation to demands on the power grid, and that all participation is beneficial in creating energy security. Regarding to fears about future price rises, Don Culvenor from Renewable Newstead assured attendees, “The reality is that the networks are regulated businesses, controlled by the AER (Australian Energy Regulator). They can’t double their prices tomorrow, they have to justify their prices every five years to the regulator.”

A question arose about whether there was any possibility of the solar farm increasing in size in the future. Mr Culvenor responded, “No. If we went to a bigger connection, the work is very expensive. It would be better and more cost effective to start another small one.”

In general, the message was that the benefits of the scheme are environmental and that rates are competitive but the best price outcomes will be available to consumers who engage with the process. “Everybody’s going to be different,” Mr Park said. “It will be a matter of sitting down and looking at your circumstances.”

Mr van der Linden said the Newstead project, unique in that it features community involvement in both generating and consuming energy, is a model for other towns. “Our hope is that this is a positive demonstration of what can be done and we want to repeat it and repeat it.”

Residents of Newstead and surrounding areas are invited to participate in the project and sign up to Flow Power by visiting the website at: renewablenewstead.com.au.

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 30 August 2024.
Related story: Renewable energy in Newstead.