The Victorian Government is consulting with businesses on a platform that could help them access renewable energy contracts – lowering their energy costs while creating new jobs on clean energy projects across the state.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio launched a consultation paper today exploring the barriers that stop businesses accessing renewable energy contracts.

The Market Facilitation Platform Consultation Paper explores whether an online platform could help bring businesses and renewable energy generators together − helping them sign up to energy contracts like power purchase agreements.

Businesses using renewable energy through these kinds of agreements can take advantage of more competitive and certain electricity prices, while also creating jobs and stimulating the economy by supporting the construction of renewables in Victoria.

The consultation focusses on commercial and industrial electricity users of all sizes, electricity retailers, renewable energy developers, investors and financiers, power purchase agreement facilitators and specialist service providers.

Consultation on the paper closes Friday November 26. Have your say at engage.vic.gov.au.

For more information and to register for a briefing session visit energy.vic.gov.au/powering-business-in-victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“As we transition to renewable generation and storage, we want to understand the best way to create a more competitive electricity supply for businesses.”

“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone including businesses and renewable energy providers to share their perspectives on how to reduce barriers to accessing low-cost, clean electricity.”

“By making it easier to enter into power purchase agreements, we will save businesses time and money and generate more demand for renewable energy − which will help us reach our target of halving emissions by 2030.”