Pathways to energy sharing for councils

Step-by-step guide for councils

Download the full report to understand further things to consider including how to:
  • work with your distributed network service providers (DNSPs)
  • collect, collate and use data to your advantage
  • share your generation and co-invest
  • prepare for the DNSPs 2025 to 2029 determination around market changes.
The full report also contains a step-by-step guide for property developers addressing:
  • what can be done onsite
  • how to prepare for the future
  • what energy can you draw locally
  • who can help with planning 

Step 1: Fitting energy sharing into council strategies

Consider how an energy sharing strategy or commitment can be included in council's planning documents in a workable way. The strategy may potentially affect:

  • building and development planning controls
  • community development and management planning
  • sustainability planning
  • energy procurement

Step 2: Decide what the council's role will be

When developing an action plan arising from the strategy, consider the approaches the council can take:

  • leadership by participating in an energy sharing project
  • advocacy by lobbying for funding and/or market rule changes that create opportunities for projects
  • governance through DA guidelines that facilitate the inclusion of distributed energy assets
  • being a focal point by making it clear council is interested in energy sharing and willing to help its community
    get projects up and running

Step 3: Who can help with the planning?
  • if council’s Distribution Network Provider (poles and wires business) for the precinct is currently considering shared
    electricity resources, set up a working relationship so council can engage on behalf of the community on any
    potential projects or joint initiatives
  • some NSW retailers are looking at innovative ways of getting access to generation that could help them manage their commitments, so make enquiries with them
  • Federal and NSW Government agencies might give funding and project management support to initiatives that fit their vision

Step 4: How can a council Participate in energy sharing?

See if council has land allotments that could be used for community energy assets such as battery storage

  • work out what council’s energy needs will be once electric vehicles and other electrification projects are adopted, and develop strategies for community energy generation in order to meet them
  • consider starting an energy sharing project and identify what input council can bring to the project, like project management, funding, marketing and acting as energy purchaser, network liaison or asset owner
A collaboration between

Landcom notes the findings as a contribution to the ongoing exploration of ways to enable community energy sharing in NSW but does not endorse specific conclusions and recommendations. Users are advised to seek professional advice and refer to the relevant regulations, as necessary, before acting in relation to any matters covered by this paper.

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