Renewable Energy Benalla's Efficiency Group is conducting a series of workshops commencing Tuesday 22nd of May, from 7.00 until 9.00pm at the Benalla Gliding Club, Samaria Road, Benalla. RSVP Sunday before Session.

​Titled “Wipe Out your Gas and Electricity Bills - Come and Find Out How” the series looks at options to improve energy efficiency in our homes.  These improvements can increase the comfort of our homes and reduce energy costs. 

The series commences with an overview of how energy efficiency supports the Renewable Energy Benalla goal of Benalla becoming a Net Zero Stationary Energy City by 2028.

Session 1 - Tuesday 22 May:  Overview of project. Hear about the new Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard.  Major emphasis on reading your meter to establish baseline energy use. Please bring in your power bills.

Session 2 - Tuesday 26 June -  Lighting, Draft Proofing and Insulation.

Session 3 - Tuesday 24 July - Windows, Appliances & Cooking and Heating & Cooling.

Session 4 - Tuesday 21 August -  Hot Water, Energy Monitoring & Control and Solar Power. 

We encourage you to bring in your power bills to establish your baseline energy use.

Full details in REB's  'Wipe Out Gas and Electricity Bills'  flyer.

A light supper will be available at the end of the evenings.

RSVP by the Sunday before a session - let us know about additional participants phone Peter 0418 135 330, AH Howard 0409 504 420.

In October REB held a Benalla Business Breakfast with the support of Benalla Rural City, and the Benalla Business Network. The purpose of the breakfast was to open up communication with the business community about a renewable energy future for Benalla. Key elements of the BZE transition plan for Benalla were presented as were key findings from the Energy Survey of Benalla Businesses. It was also an opportunity for local businesses to share their experiences of reducing their energy use and/or generating some or all of their energy needs. Information was also provided on funding options and grants available to businesses to assist with costs of implementing options to reduce energy use and/or generate energy.

Transition Strategy

REB has been working with Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) to develop a ten year transition strategy for Benalla to achieve 100% renewable energy. This transition plan was completed in November and details three key strategies that need to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero net energy. These strategies are:
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i) Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy use,
ii) Promote and install local roof top solar,
iii) Investigate utility scale renewables,battery storage and micro grids.

On 28th November, Renewable Energy Benalla and Beyond Zero Emissions, with support from Benalla Rural City Council, held a community forum and workshop to launch the transition strategy and to explore opportunities for energy efficiency, roof top solar, bulk buy programs, community energy projects and the potential for utility scale renewable energy. As a result of this workshop a number of community members volunteered to form small action groups to help Renewable Energy Benalla implement each of the three strategies mentioned above.

John Lloyd

Source:  BSFG December Newsletter 2017
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