Orange City Council

Is a Power Partner

Everyone can achieve more when they work together. That’s why Orange City Council decided to join forces with other councils, which put their hands up to join the City Power Partnership. Because that’s what it is- a partnership. We’ll be working together, sharing each other’s success and making sure we all get the best advice going forward into creating more environmentally sustainable cities.

Mayor Reg Kidd

Council has chosen the following pledges

Renewable Energy

Power council operations by renewable energy, and set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.

Energy Efficiency

Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.

Energy Efficiency

Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.

Sustainable Transport

Ensure that new developments are designed to maximize public and active transport use, and support electric vehicle uptake.

Collaboration

Develop education and behaviour-change programs to support local residents and businesses to tackle climate change through clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

Orange City Council

What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability

Orange City Council has made good ground in making the city more energy efficient by embracing renewable energy technologies. The Council has under taken energy audits across the organisation and has a Distributed Energy Plan. This plan is designed to help the Council reduce its energy costs and improve environmental benefits through introducing locally generated alternatives. Examples of this in action include a 100kW solar power installation at the Orange Aquatic Centre along with a Power Purchase Agreement and a 140 panel installation of solar panels on its depot roof.

Council’s childcare centres also have solar panels installed and Council is in the process of implementing its new Building management System which has begun with the installation of timers on hot water systems.

What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability

Council is in the initial stages of implementing a switch to LED bulbs in the city’s streetlights. It would be beneficial to see a Northern Lights Project equivalent come to the Orange region. Our sewer and water staff are planning two 35kW solar arrays to power parts of our network. The Council is in the process of installing electric car chargers within the CBD.
The Council’s 5 pledges will also facilitate it increasing its efforts in education about energy efficiency

What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership

Orange City Council hopes to work with other member councils to achieve common goals in conserving energy but also to learn from the experiences of others. Orange City Council hopes to take advantage of this collaborative approach to embrace and benefit from renewable energy. The Council aims to reduce its impact on the environment as well as saving significant resources and benefiting its residents.