The purpose of the association are to protect and enhance the natural environment and increase environmental sustainability within the region by promoting and developing renewable sources of energy and significantly reducing the regions contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Community Energy?
Community Energy is a concept where citizens own or participate in the production and/or use of sustainable energy. Nevertheless, there is no universally accepted definition and the term can mean different things in different contexts. The term can embrace engagement and empowerment, self-sufficiency and local determination, or community awareness around energy issues. Alternatively, it may focus supporting and/or actively taking part in initiatives linked to energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Community Energy may range from individual households to various forms of social enterprises, as well as public ownership by municipalities. The choice of form often relates to the interest or goal of the particular community, including but not limited to profit opportunities, special tax treatment, achieving energy autarky (self sufficiency), climate goals and community resilience.
History
• 2015: South West Community Energy was first formed in 2015 by Murray Dancey, as a Facebook group. After completing his Masters degree with a research project on the “Urban Metabolism of Port Fairy”, Murray was determined to share his learnings with the wider community, and seek out community members that shared his vision of a sustainable energy system for the South West.
• 2017: After a series of informal meetings and a growing group of community members keen to organise and learn from each other, a formal group, South West Community Energy Inc. was formed in 2017.
• 2018: The group was busy applying for grants to help fund their “Community Energy Education Caravan”, and building momentum and capacity within the group.
• 2019: We received a generous grant from Pacific Hydro – which allowed us to purchase our 2nd hand 1990 “Colt” caravan – which we will transform into our “Community Energy Education Caravan”.
The Future
We are always looking to grow our membership, and talk to members of the community about ideas, suggestions and possible projects. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in joining us at one of our meetings, or if you want to chat to us.
• Links and Resources
• Our Facebook page is here.
• Our Rules of Incorporation are here.