Victorian SMEs have the potential to save on average almost $850 on their annual electricity bill and 40 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to taking nine cars off the road by switching to a more cost effective power plan comprising 25 percent Green Power, a pilot program by Carbon Down, a climate change initiative delivered by the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) reveals.
Based on the pilot findings, if every Victorian SME converted to 25 percent GreenPower on a more cost competitive plan, it would result in a 14.2 percent reduction in the sector’s overall carbon emissions (or 6.2 Mt) per annum and financial savings of almost $330 million annually.
Kate Elborough, Manager Government Programs from VECCI, said she was excited and encouraged by the initial pilot results, which offered a direct and measurable way for SME’s to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
“With electricity prices rising more than 50 percent over the last five years, this program offers an immediate and effective way to cut their carbon emissions and their power bill. It’s a win-win scenario,” she said.
Ms Elborough emphasised that higher cost savings can be achieved by moving from a standard agreement to a more cost competitive commercial electricity plan (usually a fixed three year contract) that includes GreenPower.
Building materials manufacturer Unipod has a monthly power bill of $14,000. By switching to a new energy plan including 10 percent GreenPower it is projected to save a huge $21,000 annually, the pilot found.
“We were keen to be recognised as an environmentally-conscious company, so switching to GreenPower was an easy next step,” said Unipod General Manager Peter Sheehan. “All we had to do was provide a copy of our recent energy bills to Carbon Down and within a few business days we received a great cost comparison of energy quotes which included GreenPower. We were blown away by the potential to save – and we can proudly promote our ‘green’ credentials to our customers and business partners.”
GreenPower is a government accreditation program for renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, water and waste. Businesses that buy GreenPower continue to receive their electricity supply as normal, since green energy is fed into the existing electricity grid, replacing coal-based alternatives.
SMEs wanting to sign up to the free cost comparison service can go to www.choosegreenpower.com.au