Red Energy, the Australian energy retailer owned by Snowy Hydro, has announced a major partnership with 46 Victorian local councils, in what will be the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by local government in Australia.

Commencing in July 2021, Red Energy will provide 240 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year until 2030, which will power the project known as VECO (Victorian Energy Collaboration) with 100 per cent renewables.

The renewable energy will be linked to two wind farms located in regional Victoria – the Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake in South-West Victoria, which started exporting power to the grid in March 2020, and the Murra Warra II wind farm near Horsham which commenced construction September 2020 and will be fully operational by June 2022.

Snowy Hydro, Red Energy’s parent company has long term supply agreements with both of these facilities.

CEO of Red Energy Iain Graham said it was exciting to see councils work together for the greater good of their communities.

“Given Red Energy is born and bred in Victoria, we are really excited to be a part of a project that is supporting Victorian councils, their ratepayers and two new Victorian wind farms,” Mr Graham said.

“Our owner Snowy Hydro has been a leader in renewable generation for decades and Red Energy is delighted to partner with Victorian councils to provide a long-term energy contract that will enable councils to purchase renewable energy at a competitive price.”

Darebin Mayor Councillor Lina Messina said the project was proof of what can be achieved by local government working together.

“This is a bold, visionary project that pushes the boundaries of what was thought possible for local government. The 240GWh of clean power will reduce greenhouse emissions by 260,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.”