For immediate release 20 May 2024
RE-Alliance welcomes news independent MP Helen Haines has backed Local Energy Hubs as a way to deliver accurate information about the energy shift to local communities.
RE-Alliance, which works with regional communities as they navigate the energy shift, said Local Energy Hubs would be physical information centres staffed by experienced local experts. They could inform local people about local renewables and transmission projects; household and farm business electrification and battery storage; electric vehicles; offshore wind projects and more.
RE-Alliance National Director, Andrew Bray, said local experts relaying accurate information to their communities was the best way to get out in front of misinformation.
“We’re delighted to see a federal Member of Parliament using their role to champion policy ideas that benefit regional communities,” Mr Bray said.
“Getting accurate information about local projects into local communities is key to the energy shift, and who better to deliver this information, than trusted local faces.”
“Local Energy Hubs will help make the energy shift smoother in regional communities.”
RE-Alliance has been speaking to government MPs and Ministers with a coalition of partners including the Community Power Agency and Yes 2 Renewables over the past six months to ensure every step is being taken to support regional communities hosting the clean energy shift – a shift that needs to accelerate rapidly this decade to secure a safe climate future.
One of the measures proposed is a federally funded network of 50 independent Local Energy Hubs in regions with large amounts of current or proposed renewable energy developments and transmission lines. This was not funded in last week’s budget.
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Andrew Bray is the National Director of RE-Alliance.
About us:
About RE-Alliance: RE-Alliance is working to secure an energy transformation that delivers long-term benefits and prosperity for regional and rural Australia. They do this by listening to the needs of communities, facilitating collaboration across the renewables industry to deliver social outcomes and advocating for meaningful engagement and benefits for regions.
Contact details:
For media inquiries and interviews please contact Kitty Walker on 0438 900 117 or kitty@re-alliance.org.au
