Beechworth, VIC
For the past 30 years, communities in rural and regional Scotland have invested in renewable generation and storage assets. The outcome has seen these renewable generation and storage assets grow to become valuable community assets.
Indigo Power wants to operate a profitable business in the long term, thereby delivering economic and social benefit to rural communities in North East Victoria.
– Matthew Grogan
Indigo Power
Indigo Power is a community owned renewable energy retailer located in North East Victoria.
As a once-in-a-generation change in the electricity sector is occurring, Indigo Power is positioning itself to ensure that rural communities do not miss out on the spoils.
THE PROBLEM
As renewable electricity technology becomes firmer in the electricity market, the electricity generation and distribution system in Australia is experiencing significant change.
Communities in rural Australia are at the forefront of this change for two reasons. Firstly, rural Australians will be impacted more than city dwellers from the impacts of climate change. Secondly, renewable energy infrastructure will be installed in rural areas.
THE INNOVATION
As a certified social enterprise, Indigo Power is committed to delivering renewable energy outcomes in ways that support and empower communities, including equity ownership that returns value to community members.
It will re-distribute profits to community energy group partners, thereby helping to fund support for the transition to renewable energy generation and use.
In April 2019 Indigo Power installed a community owned solar power system at the Old Beechworth Gaol which supplies clean energy to the many businesses working on site.
The company recently signed a contract to deliver a solar power system, with investment from Traditional Owners, which will supply renewable energy to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Broadford Office.