The Future of Heating in Victoria: Embracing Heat Pumps

In a world where sustainable energy solutions are imperative, countries and regions are devising varied strategies to meet their energy demands while also aligning with environmental considerations. While the UK has chosen to explore new oil and gas fields, Victoria is steering towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly path, evidenced by its recent decision to prohibit new gas connections in residential homes and government infrastructure.

The pivotal question that arises from this policy change is straightforward: With the cessation of gas, what’s the best alternative for Victorians to stay warm without overburdening the electrical grid?

The solution that has emerged as a frontrunner is the heat pump. Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps do not generate heat; instead, they transfer it. Analogous to an air conditioner operating in reverse, these devices extract ambient heat from the environment and amplify it to warm our homes. Notably, their efficiency is commendable. Heat pumps can produce up to 3.5 times the amount of energy they consume, making them a highly cost-effective alternative to gas boilers.

The Victorian government has recognized this potential and is actively promoting the transition. A fund has been established to support the electrification of new homes, with a significant focus on integrating heat pumps. However, the journey isn’t devoid of challenges. Balancing the increased demand on the electrical grid, factoring in rising electricity prices, and ensuring consistent supply are issues that need meticulous planning.

In summary, while the move away from gas represents a significant change for Victoria, innovations like heat pumps provide a promising and efficient alternative. As the state progresses in this direction, the vision of a sustainable, eco-friendly future becomes increasingly tangible.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

Save Big on Energy with Edge Utilities! We’re your experts in tapping into the strength of bulk purchasing, aiming to significantly cut down your energy costs without any added expense to your business. Committed to assisting SMEs, we’re here to source the best rates for you.
Eager to see a noticeable difference in your energy bills? Reach out to us at save@edgeutilities.com.au or give us a ring at 1800 334 336. Let’s start your journey to effortless savings!

Is your business ready to be part of the Brisbane Olympics 2032?

Brisbane Olympics 2032 Precinct

Brisbane 2032 International Olympic Committee (IOC) have called for businesses to be “Brisbane Olympics 2032 Ready” but what does this mean for your Business Energy?

As we countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, action towards creating Australia’s first net zero carbon region has commenced with the launch of the Brisbane 2033: Legacy Project. This project outlines a policy and framework of SMART goals across the key themes of Connected, Creative, Equitable and Enterprising with the goal to achieve a Climate Positive Games and positive legacy for the region.

“In 2032, the eyes of millions of people will be in our homes, what do we want them to see?” John Coates AC, President of Australian Olympic Committee.

The Queensland Government has indicated that all business intending to be a part of the Brisbane Olympics 2032 will be required to meet the net zero carbon goals and the Games’ procurement rules on zero emissions and zero waste.

So how can you become Brisbane 2032 Olympics Ready and be a part of Australia’s first net zero carbon region?

Our team of energy experts at Edge Utilities have outlined three key ways below.

3 ways to show your business’s commitment to a Climate Positive Games with Edge Utilities.

 

  1. Reduce your carbon emissions.

Taking action to reduce carbon emissions is a crucial step in preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. There are various effective approaches to achieve this goal. These include conducting equipment assessments, upgrading to energy-saving infrastructure, implementing solar panels, integrating smart technology, and adopting energy-efficient lighting solutions.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can make significant strides towards Brisbane 2032 Olympics readiness while actively contributing to a sustainable future.

  1. Purchase green energy.

Simply purchasing green energy is another great way to show your Climate Positive commitment to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Edge Utilities can work with you to secure cost effective energy procurement from renewable resources, such as solar, wind and hydro. We do the administrative work for you, ensuring reliable secure energy for your business whilst, managing cost and reducing your emissions through green purchasing.

As part of our comprehensive services, we can guide your business in exploring energy procurement and generation options, including energy carbon offsets, enabling you to make informed decisions towards sustainable and low-carbon operations. We are deeply committed with renewable energy, which play a critical role in preparing for a Climate Positive Olympics.

One of our key offerings is the facilitation of Power Purchase Agreements PPAs powered by Edge2020. Power Purchase Agreements allow businesses to procure energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower at fixed, predictable costs. This approach is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses, providing a cost-effective path to lower carbon emissions and fostering growth within the renewable energy sector.

Learn more about Power Purchase Agreements.

  1. Join a renewable energy portfolio.

A renewable energy portfolio can open a wealth of opportunities for your business and goes beyond simply securing renewable power. By joining a power portfolio, you will benefit from the power of bulk purchasing, yielding cost advantages not usually accessible to individual businesses and mitigating price fluctuations. Edge Utilities offers individual businesses the opportunity to apply for a renewable energy portfolio through our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP).

When businesses join the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio, they gain access to the kind of purchasing power that is typically only available to larger portfolios. This opens the door to custom-made electricity contracts, providing an essential tool for businesses aiming to achieve net zero emissions. Edge Utilities Power Portfolio serves to remove obstacles for Australian businesses, making the goal of 100% renewable electricity within their contracts a more achievable reality. This not only supports environmental initiatives but also echoes the sustainable business strategies akin to the values championed by global events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Discover more about the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio.

Edge Utilities has a climate active registered consultant, and it’s powered by Edge2020. Gain access to tailored energy solutions, green energy experts, risk management and emission reduction strategies designed to secure your energy procurement, mitigate fluctuating energy prices, and go for green and gold!

 

Connect with us today.

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Hotels – how to reduce energy consumption and your rising power bill

Hotel dining and pool area

Rising energy costs are having a massive impact on hotel businesses and the travel industry across the world. A significant part of hotel operations management falls outside of filling beds and high electricity costs are a major contributor to soaring operating expenses. In addition to a price spotlight on energy there is also an important focus, and certainly customer pressure, to transition to energy supply from renewable resources. So, what can you do while the pressure is on?

Generating your own power through renewables sounds like a sensible idea but onsite renewable energy can be challenging to implement for many hotel sites, solar panels and batteries require significant investment and significant space.  It is challenging because in a post covid world priorities are changing and customers want to know hotels and restaurants are following sustainable practices, it influences their choices and this trend is continuing to grow. Millennials are particularly conscious consumers, and they are now the biggest market of all consumer age groups.

With all this in mind, “greenwashing” is not always the right path, and if generating your own power doesn’t make economic sense for your business then there are many other avenues you can take that will improve your sustainability rating, save energy and therefore reduce your hotel electricity costs.

So, what can hotels do to save on electricity?

Advances in technology now mean that there are several other solutions that can significantly reduce hotel energy outlay. In addition, energy brokers can help you buy energy more competitively. Not only can they negotiate on your behalf and buy at wholesale rates, but they can also build a power purchase portfolio that can support your sustainability goals as well as save you money.

A good place to start is to make sure that you have data on the energy use in your hotel. Keeping track of average energy usage, tracking peak times and patterns that lead to high energy bills is the most useful data you can have. Understanding your impacts will help you prioritise so you can take action in the areas which will have the highest impact. A hotel can cut its overall energy expenses 20 percent by using basic energy efficient measures, this is good for you and for the planet.

10 energy saving tips to bring electricity bills down:

  1. Tracking and processes, remembering the old saying of what is measured gets managed. Work with your team and encourage them to be aware, turn off lights, close fridges etc.
  2. Nudge your occupants to be more aware of energy consumption, even just with simple messaging. There’s an interesting study on this HERE
  3. Use LED light bulbs, they use less than a quarter of the energy of traditional bulbs and they last longer.
  4. Install smart climate and lighting control thermostats and sensors. These are real-time sensors that can adjust and detect changes in occupancy on a room-by-room basis. Clever technology that can save you money on lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and heating.
  5. Consider keycard managed power switches if you don’t already have them.
  6. Look at your equipment – modernising equipment can save. e.g., ventilation and extraction system in kitchens, refrigeration, dishwashing, your HVAC systems, pool equipment etc. There are some very interesting figures from Sustainability Victoria on equipment in the hospitality industry HERE.
  7. Retro-fit existing west (sun) facing windows with energy-saving furnishings or film.
  8. Regularly clean and service your air conditioning and ventilation systems and service your heating/hot water boilers, this can reduce the monthly energy costs by 10%.
  9. Plants and green walls help modify temperature and naturally purify the air.
  10. Definitely consider solar if it could be suitable for your premises.

Save money and the planet

With energy prices continuing to rise and customer opinion paramount, becoming energy efficient is now a necessity. Going green is no longer just a trend. 2030 and indeed 2050 is fast approaching, and we are all (thankfully!) becoming more environmentally conscious. You can reduce your operating costs and your carbon footprint with commitment and focus. Maximpact Ecosystems (a UK based advisory) estimate that in hotels:

“Energy costs amount to 5-8% of overall operational costs, and while this number might seem low or insignificant, the truth is that energy is often the second highest controllable portion of costs after labour. Energy efficient practices can provide energy savings of 20-35%, which over time can make a big impact on the bottom line.”

 

Hotel sign

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. Our customers’ most common goals are savings and sustainability, we are pragmatic in our approach and would love to help you reach your goals.
 If you feel you need more control of your hotel’s energy spend, please reach out to discuss joining our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP) where we use the power of bulk purchasing to help Australian businesses of all sizes save on their energy bills. We’ll conduct a free no obligation comparison to show you how you can save. Read more: https://edgeutilities.com.au/edge-utilities-power-portfolio/ or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

 

Save money on business energy bills

Power Portfolio

Edge Utilities launch the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio to help Australian businesses save on energy costs

With energy prices at an all-time high and continuing to rise, the team at Edge Utilities are using the power of bulk purchasing to help Australian businesses of all sizes save on energy bills. We’ve developed the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP) to give every Australian business access to the SAME savings as large energy users and shield them from rising energy prices.

Shield your business from rising energy costs:

By taking multiple energy users to market as one larger group, we can access bulk purchasing prices, saving on what you are currently paying for your energy. Joining the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (EUPP) means you can access these savings AND have your energy portfolio managed by one of Australia’s leading energy management teams.

We do the hard work for you.

Through the EUPP you are joining a large power portfolio to which we apply portfolio optimisation analytics. You will be taking advantage of procurement strategies usually only available to really large users. We negotiate terms that you could never achieve on your own. With the right portfolio, we can even support your transition to renewable energy with minimal impact on your energy rates.

Who is Edge Utilities?

Under our parent company, Edge 2020, we have provided energy broker services for over 14 years, working with Australia’s largest energy users, including BHP, Glencore and SBS.

From the moment you join the EUPP, our energy team works for you. The sooner we start, the sooner you save. 

As a launch special, Edge Utilities is waiving the sign-up fee to join the EUPP. Even more savings for you.
For more information on the Edge Utilities Power Portfolio, visit: https://edgeutilities.com.au/edge-utilities-power-portfolio/