The Newstead solar project that was launched in August is rolling out and has been holding regular information sessions at the Newstead Rural Transfer Centre. The project, a partnership between Renewable Newstead and retailer Flow Power, centres around the newly operational Newstead Solar Farm. While anyone can become a customer, it offers special benefits to the Newstead community by donating to community organisations. The Tarrangower Times went along to an information session to find out how the project is coming along. Members of the Renewable Newstead team, with around five knowledgeable customer service specialists from Flow, were available to assist visitors.
Daniel van der Linden from Flow Power said that there had been a fairly constant flow of enquiries and explained that the information sessions were good for everyone involved. “The product we’ve developed is not as simple as other products on the market,” he said, referring to the fact that the Newstead Solar Farm is an innovative model that invites customer engagement. “We’re still early in the journey to selling to residential customers, so we’re learning a lot about how to explain the product through these sessions.” Flow Power’s website reveals that most of the company’s customers have previously been corporate companies and larger entities such as universities.
Mr Van der Linden said that the reaction and feedback has been positive, with people taking up the offer to bring in a power bill and compare without pressure. “Everyone comes here for a reason, they know about the project and they come in wanting to know more,” he said. “It’s a big part of the project for the community to be connected and know what your part of the solar farm is doing,” he said, explaining that each customer is assigned a portion of the farm and an app shows in kilowatts whether it is importing or exporting energy.
Cherie Titman from Newstead said she didn’t need convincing to sign up to the project. “If you’re part of the community you do what the community needs,” she stated, as Varun and Yesha stepped her through the process.
Renewable Newstead’s Genevieve Barlow said she was really happy with how the project was progressing. “We’ve had a great response so far and we’re keen for more people to sign up if it suits them,” she said, with a reminder that once customers pay their first invoice, they can nominate a Newstead organisation to receive $200. For more information about this initiative, see: renewablenewstead.com.au and follow Renewable Newstead on social media.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 29 November 2024.
Related stories: Renewable energy in Newstead, Newstead energy: Community Q&A
