NEWCASTLE Labor councillors hope to flip a switch on equitable access to renewable energy and household electrification with a focus on residents hit hardest by rising energy costs and extreme weather events.
A motion to Tuesday night's council meeting could see options investigated that support equitable access to renewable energy, like community energy sharing platforms, home retrofitting, easier and more affordable access to solar PV, batteries and electric vehicle charging.
Labor Cr Declan Clausen said the previous council was the first in the country to move to 100 per cent renewable energy for its operations in January 2020 and the goal now is to support the community to take the leap.
"City of Newcastle has a long track record of taking progressive action on climate change, including by embracing renewable energy," he said.
The initiative is backed by a public call for tenders to implement a Newcastle Community Renewable Energy Bulk Buy Program.
The program aims to expand access to affordable renewable energy for Newcastle residents through economies of scale for bulk buy of solar panel and battery installations with options for electric vehicle chargers, virtual power plant access and low or no-interest finance options.
Tenders close November 19.
The council launched its Empowering Newcastle climate action program earlier this year, which aims to support the community to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk said they know that people on lower incomes, whether renting, in strata or owner-occupiers are disproportionately affected by rising living costs, energy prices and extreme weather conditions but have fewer choices to make the transition.
"This is our commitment to support our community to electrify for resilience to climate change, reduce electricity prices and increase health by investigating options for power share schemes, virtual power plants, bulk buys and community batteries, ensuring a just climate transition," she said.
The motion acknowledges the "significant" financial, environmental and public health benefits to renewable energy and electrifying homes, noting that more than 70 per cent of Newcastle homes have not made the switch.
The councillors note in the motion that a large part of the community is restricted from being able to access solutions due to socio-economic status and housing tenure.
The motion also notes the "double disadvantage" that households with limited capacity to 'pay back' the cost of retrofitting may be those most in need, living in older, lower quality housing stock and experiencing higher energy costs to cool and heat their homes.
If approved on Tuesday, the council would also explore bulky buy options and provide information to support access to finance for community members to invest in renewable energy and electrification, and look at what options are available to renters.
