More than 50 homes now benefit from cheaper electricity bills because of Gullen Range Wind Farm’s clean energy program

Today, BJCE Australia’s Gullen Range Wind Farm announced a funding milestone, having successfully delivered more than 50 Clean Energy Program grants, totalling over $345,000, to local homes. The first of its kind in Australia, the Clean Energy Program enables residents and businesses, within 5 km of the wind farm, to apply for grants to make their homes more energy efficient.

A $6500 grant is provided to eligible applicants, which is typically spent on solar PV or solar hot water systems, although it can also be used for other energy efficiency measures.

“In addition to reducing their household’s carbon footprint, these installations will save residents money on their power bills for years to come”, said Derek Powell, Deputy Manager of BJCE Australia. “The Program is proving very popular, with 110 applications received so far. To date, fifty-four houses have had work completed to improve energy efficiency and the home owners are now saving money on their power bills. The Program has also benefited local suppliers, who have undertaken the majority of installation work”.

The Clean Energy Program forms part of the wind farm’s Community Enhancement Program, which is now in its fifth year. The Clean Energy Program comprises two stages. The first step is an energy audit, which helps the resident identify the best way to improve energy efficiency in their home and maximise potential power bill savings. The second step is applying for the energy efficiency grant.

Robyn Diamond, Clean Energy Program grant recipient, said “Gullen Range Wind Farm paid for an energy audit of our house, and we immediately saw the opportunity to switch to electric heating and install solar panels to offset our energy bills. We found applying to the Program quite straightforward and the wind farm was happy to answer any questions we had during the application process”.

If you live within 5km of Gullen Range Wind Farm and believe you could be eligible please contact Gullen Range Wind Farm on 1800 509711 or email info@gullenrangewindfarm.com.