The NSW Water and Energy Savings Initiatives were introduced by the NSW State Government in May 2005.
This means that high energy consuming businesses and councils must complete Energy Savings Action Plans (ESAP) to identify where energy usage can be reduced.
Why does Tamworth Regional Council need an Energy Savings Action Plan
Tamworth Regional Council was listed as one of the NSW Councils required to prepare an ESAP, having a population of over 50,000 people.
Council has ownership of over 200 sites consuming almost 15,000,000 KW/h annually.
Why should we worry about how much electricity we use
In NSW, electricity consumption is forecast to grow by around 2% each year and peak demand is forecast to increase by 3% annually.
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water suggests that the following benefits will occur if we use our electricity more wisely:
- there will be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- we can reduce our electricity bills
- the reduction of peak loads will deliver the greatest benefit from new network investment and further protect electricity supply reliability
What impact does energy generation have on our region
In New South Wales, electricity generation represents 43% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the threat of global climate change.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other authorities predict that NSW will experience:
- more extreme weather events
- higher temperatures
- lower rainfall
- more storms
- rising sea levels
Refer to the Council State of the Environment Report for more information about our region.
What progress has Tamworth Regional Council made with its Energy Savings Action Plan
2009
The following energy saving actions have been implemented:
- completion of the insulation in the roof of the Tamworth Community Centre
- insulation glazing on the windows in Parry House, Peel Street, Tamworth
2008
Additional energy audits were undertaken at the following facilities:
- Parry House Building, Peel Street Tamworth
- Tamworth Community Centre, Darling Street Tamworth
- Tamworth Services Centre, Lockheed Street Tamworth
- Tamworth Tourist Information Centre
- Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services Headquarters buildings in Taminda
2007
The Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water approved the Energy Savings Action Plan submitted by Council.
The following initiatives were then implemented:
2006
Council engaged Asset Technologies Pacific to prepare a detailed Energy Savings Action Plans for the ten highest energy consuming sites. These sites were:
- Calala Water Treatment Plant
- Ray Walsh House
- Wallamore Road Sewage Treatment Plant
- Tamworth Street Lighting
- Tamworth Library and Art Gallery
- Tamworth Airport
- Swan Street Sewage Treatment Plant
- Dungowan Dam
- Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre
- Tamworth Town Hall
How can I get more information about Council initiatives in the Energy Savings Action Plan?