Go Renewable Energy Group-Buy Project

 

A Project to lower our electricity bills whilst preserving our environment

 GREG is a group of volunteers formed out of a Macedon Ranges Shire Council (MRSC) community engagement program called Cool Changes. We are committed to supporting Macedon Ranges homes and businesses to:

  • save electricity costs

  • reduce fossil fuel emissions

  • increase energy self-sufficiency.

In doing so, we will be assisting Macedon Ranges Shire Council achieve its goal of zero net emissions for the shire by 2030.

Our first project is a Go Renewables community Group Buy scheme for the supply and installation of such energy saving devices as:

  • Solar power (PV) systems

  • Batteries

  • Heat pumps

  • Reverse cycle air conditioners

We chose these technologies because, separately or in combination, they provide the best route towards a solar driven all electric house and energy independence.

To find the best available products at the best prices with high quality installation we have undertaken a rigorous Selection process (see the Project Partner Selection Process Blog below) and have selected several trusted partners and will refer enquiries to those companies that will best be able to advise and quote you on the areas of interest that you indicate on the Expression of Interest Form.

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in exploring the use of a Solar PV system or PV system linked to a battery and / or hot water heat pump and / or reverse cycle air conditioning, please complete the form below and click on the submit button and we will have one of our Trusted Partners contact you for a full consultation. Also scan front and back of your Electricity bill and send it to greg@mrsg.org.au or you can mail it to PO Box 820 Gisborne 3437 to allow analysis of your current usage.

Supports the GREG Project

News

 
Featured
Electrify 3442 News: Community Survey and Callout for Case Study Volunteers
Farmers Market, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Homes, Transport, Veg Action, WBFS
Electrify 3442 News: Community Survey and Callout for Case Study Volunteers
Farmers Market, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Homes, Transport, Veg Action, WBFS

Electrify 3442 is running a Community Survey and we’re on the lookout for households at various stages of electrification ) and happy to share their stories on our website. Read our news >>

Read More →
Farmers Market, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Homes, Transport, Veg Action, WBFS
Results from Hepburn Energy's Bulk Buys 2023
SLF, Renewable Energy
Results from Hepburn Energy's Bulk Buys 2023
SLF, Renewable Energy

We want to thank MRSG so very much for your support with our bulk buys in 2023.

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SLF, Renewable Energy
GET OFF GAS! Help is at hand :-)
Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Riddells
GET OFF GAS! Help is at hand :-)
Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Riddells

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about getting off gas. It’s expensive, it’s an indoor pollutant and as electricity from the grid gets cleaner (in terms of its carbon emissions, thanks to reduced production from coal and increased production from renewables like solar) gas isn’t the dream fuel it used to be.

Here are some resources to help you find out more about why and how to get off gas, and news of some events coming up later this month to help you work out a detailed plan of action.

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Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Riddells
Does Sustainability Equal Liveability?
Farmers Market, Renewable Energy, SLF, Wash against Waste
Does Sustainability Equal Liveability?
Farmers Market, Renewable Energy, SLF, Wash against Waste

Woodend, in our very own Macedon Ranges was recently dubbed the most liveable regional town in Victoria and we couldn’t be prouder! Among the criteria for the gong, according to an article published in the Sunday Herald Sun, were great transport links, services and job opportunities along with good schools, parks and gardens and fine food. 

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Farmers Market, Renewable Energy, SLF, Wash against Waste
"Show and tell" time!
Sustainable Homes, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Permaculture Garden, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Transport, Veg Action, Waste, WBFS
"Show and tell" time!
Sustainable Homes, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Permaculture Garden, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Transport, Veg Action, Waste, WBFS

This March MRSG Sustainable Homes Action Group is presenting the “Project Showcase”, an exhibition of projects Macedon Ranges householders have undertaken to make their homes more thermally comfortable, cheaper to run and more energy-efficient, and of work-from-home spaces that are reducing the need to commute.

(Image: Sam Clarke via Unsplash)

Read More →
Sustainable Homes, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Permaculture Garden, Produce Swap, Regenerative Farmers, Transport, Veg Action, Waste, WBFS
Help others make their homes more energy efficient and more comfortable on Sustainable House Day
Sustainable Homes, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Wash against Waste
Help others make their homes more energy efficient and more comfortable on Sustainable House Day
Sustainable Homes, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Wash against Waste

MRSG’s Sustainable Homes Action Group is proud to announce the return of Sustainable House Day to the Macedon Ranges in March 2023.

We’re seeking expressions of interest from people excited about low-energy homes and keen to participate in an open house or a project showcase. We’re also looking for someone who can help us with publicity and social media. image: Renew’s Sustainable House Day page

Read More →
Sustainable Homes, Healthy Homes, Kyneton Transition Hub, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, TTR, Wash against Waste
Are Unplanned Power Outages Disrupting Your Life and Business?
NBI, Renewable Energy
Are Unplanned Power Outages Disrupting Your Life and Business?
NBI, Renewable Energy

A study, recently undertaken by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) has identified that the North Woodend, Newham and Lancefield areas are the most impacted by unplanned power outages in the Macedon Ranges region. Read on to find out what we’re doing about it.

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NBI, Renewable Energy
Thermal Imaging Camera now available to loan
Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, Sustainable Homes, Resources & Tips
Thermal Imaging Camera now available to loan
Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, Sustainable Homes, Resources & Tips

The Renewable Energy Action Group (REAG) has acquired a Thermal Imaging Camera, which can be borrowed for free by MRSG members

Read More →
Renewable Energy, Sustainable Malmsbury, Sustainable Homes, Resources & Tips

Upcoming Events

 
Featured
Community Energy Presentation: Newstead
Nov 26
Community Energy Presentation: Newstead

Presentation on Community Energy for us by Newstead Community leaders

Come and hear how Newstead was able to successfully bring about a community energy project to add stability to the Grid and lower electricity bills for participating households. A detailed presentation will be followed by a Q & A session , followed by discussion around how, where and when we could run such a project in communities around Macedon Ranges and take advantage of government and other grants to give energy independence and lower household energy bills.

Please click on the image and register for your free ticket

Home Batteries 101- an Introduction to Home Batteries
Dec 4
Home Batteries 101- an Introduction to Home Batteries

Blogs

 
Featured
Electrification talking points
Electrification talking points

Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat with the volunteers from Sustainable Homes Action Group and Go Renewable Energy Group at the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday 7th October.

We were exploring the level of interest in electrifying home heating and hot water and the obstacles to electrification.

Getting Off Gas
Getting Off Gas

Reasons for closing your gas account and going to an all electric household

What to do about climate change? Get answers in 10-25 minutes
What to do about climate change? Get answers in 10-25 minutes

Not sure what “net zero emissions” means? Want to know how you can impact climate change?

Project Drawdown has produced an excellent series of 6 videos, ranging from 10-25 minutes, explaining where we can have the most impact on climate.

This is a thought-provoking series, highly recommended for anyone starting out on the road to sustainability.

Why use a Thermal Imaging Camera?
Why use a Thermal Imaging Camera?

Thermal imaging cameras detect areas of heat loss and unwanted heat gain, and allow you to make changes, many of them low or no cost, that will make your home more comfortable and save energy and money.

Four takeaways for adapting to Climate Change from the recent IPCC report
Four takeaways for adapting to Climate Change from the recent IPCC report

A few weeks ago, the IPCC released a report titled, “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability“. Even though the report focuses on impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptive practices on a global scale, I have tried to derive some adaptation principles that could be applied to the Macedon Ranges.

Save money and energy at home
Save money and energy at home

Home energy saving tips such as stopping draughts, LED lighting, heating, windows, energy monitoring, insulation, motion sensor lights, standby power and solar PV.

100% Renewable Energy is 100% doable
100% Renewable Energy is 100% doable
Changing your retail provider for fun and profit
Changing your retail provider for fun and profit

This article was written and submitted by REAG member Peter Walsh