It is not just about reducing electricity bills, it has the added bonus of creating renewable energy and benefitting the environment.
Enova Community Energy, in partnership with North Coast Community Housing (NCHH) and the NSW Government have helped tenants all over the Northern Rivers to receive free solar panels and home energy audits as part of a new solar housing project.
‘The installation of these solar PV systems and associated energy saving measures are expected to cut tenant’s bills by around $420 a year,’ said Sandi Middleton, Manager of Enova Community.
Environment and Heritage, John McKenna – CEO North Coast Community Housing,
Robyn Hordern – Chair North Coast Community Housing, Hon Thomas George MP. Photo supplied.
The partnership between Byron Bay-based Enova Community Energy, NCHH and NSW government has ensured the installation of solar systems and provided tenants access to free Enova Energy Coach audits and advice to 28 housing properties.
‘The project’s benefits go beyond bill savings; the energy efficiency audits that our volunteer energy coaches have completed will improve household comfort and generate local business and employment opportunities,’ Ms Middleton said.
NCCH Property Manager Fiona McConnell added that the project is a genuine collaborative effort to help tenants deal with the rising cost of electricity.
‘Our tenants have been really happy not only with the installation process and savings, but also with the conversations that have started,’ Ms McConnell said.
‘One of our tenants told us that their children saw the panels go on and asked about solar, renewable energy and the environment – which has made them more aware of the issue and motivated to learn more,’ Ms McConnell said.
Volunteer energy coaches
Enova Community is now looking for more volunteer energy coaches to help with providing energy audits for our Repower Byron Shire project in collaboration with COREM and Zero Emissions Byron. The training will be held in Byron Bay on 1 and 2 of June. If you would like to apply to be an Enova Energy Coach please email [email protected]
‘Being an Energy Coach is a really rewarding experience and we hope that many more in our community will come to the training and help our most vulnerable save money as well as support the environment,’ Ms Middleton said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
