Green Power

I am not convinced that purchasing green power is the best use of ratepayer's funds. Ryde Council is to spend $22,900 per annum to obtain 10% of the electricity consumed on major Council sites from "green" sources. The problem with this is that there is nothing to show for the expenditure, the community has no knowledge of it and it provides no incentive for Council employees and users of Council facilities to reduce their energy consumption.

Far better than purchasing 10% of electricity from green sources is to reduce energy consumption by 10%. That way not only is there is 10% less carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere but the cost to Council is also reduced by about 10%. A win-win situation. Purchasing green power costs the community more, not less, and does not show leadership to the community about reducing energy consumption.

I fear that support for green power is an easy out for those who want to claim "green" credentials. A balanced response to climate change is not just a matter of throwing money at the problem (other people's). The available council funding to address climate change would be better directed to reducing total energy consumption. Council already has a limited program in this area. More funding would make things happen more quickly.