Victorian life-saving clubs to go solar in bid to cut costs

One Step Off The Grid

Surf clubs around Victoria will soon start switching to solar after the state government announced it would provide funding for the installation of PV systems for members of Life Saving Victoria.

The $500,000 program, announced by the Andrews Labor government on Monday, allows Victorian lifesaving clubs to apply for grants to install solar panel systems at their club, to cut the cost of their electricity bills.

“This is about helping Victorian lifesaving clubs save money on their energy bills and driving renewable energy,” said state energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio at the program launch at the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club.

“By partnering with Life Saving Victoria on this program, we can help our lifesaving clubs cut their energy costs and increase renewable energy generation in Victoria.

D’ambrosio said the clubs could apply for the grants starting today, with the installation of solar systems expected to get underway from March 2016.

“Electricity represents a major operating cost to all of our clubs,” said Life Saving Victoria CEO Nigel Taylor on Monday.

“By having solar panels installed, this will provide significant financial relief to our organisation …and allow more funds to go to what the community expects us to do – patrol our beaches and waterways to ensure the safety of all Victorians who use it.”

Labor’s Community Renewables Solar Grants Initiative is among a number of programs catering to community groups and businesses as part of its Renewable Energy Action Plan, to be released this year.

This article was originally published on RE sister site, One Step Off The Grid. Click here to subscribe to the weekly newsletter