Business Renewables Buying Group

The Business Renewables Buying Group is designed to bring together a group of businesses seeking to switch to 100% renewable electricity. With the support of an external facilitator, the group will work collectively to scale up their buying power whilst cutting complexity, time and cost associated with going 100% renewable.

The Business Renewables Buying Group is open to businesses across Victoria consuming over 500MWh per annum of electricity (spending ~$100,000 per annum).

What you’ll get access to

Improved market response for your business, with more options and potential price benefits due to increased load;
Ability to work with others who are going through similar decisions to compare considerations and support each other;
Reduced project costs and staff time by spreading the workload across the group; and
The process is led by an external facilitator, with access to specialist strategic advice.

Benefits for your business

Cost effective way to reduce emissions and deliver on your strategic goals;
Long-term and stable pricing provide budget certainty and reduces exposure to energy market volatility;
Avoid repeated internal procurement processes over the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement contract;
Participation in this project and renewable energy purchase can provide reputation, branding and leadership benefits; and
Opportunity to directly support the renewable energy industry.

Eligibility

This project is initiated and supported by the City of Yarra, and is available to all Victorian businesses who qualify for the large electricity market.

Submit an EOI to join

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a group renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

A PPA is a long-term agreement for an energy buyer to purchase a quantity of electricity generated by an off-site renewable energy project, such as a solar or wind farm.
The group element simply refers to more than one business or organisation pooling their electricity demand collectively to get a better outcome.

Who is the facilitator?

The participating councils have run a competitive process to appoint 1Circle as the Facilitator to actively support the Business Renewables Buying Group.

1Circle is highly experienced with a successful track record of arranging group buys, including the pilot program for the Business Renewables Buying Group.

The facilitator will:

Provide an initial overview of the benefits to your business;
Coordinate group meetings and engagement;
Advise on and contract the ‘energy advisor’ and ‘legal counsel’ on behalf of the group;
Prepare and release tender documents on behalf of the group; and
Assist with analysis of offers and support decision making for participating businesses.

Why are councils getting involved?

Victorian councils led the establishment of three landmark agreements: Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP) 1 & 2 and the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).
Councils’ experience with both MREP and VECO projects highlights the essential need for a project facilitator to support and coordinate all the parties in switching to renewable electricity and ensuring a successful outcome.
Victorian councils are uniquely placed to leverage their experience and capabilities to support businesses to transition to renewable electricity. They will engage an independent facilitator to assist businesses and provide the option for participation in a renewable energy buying group.