How it works
The model outlined in Renewable Newstead’s business plan was for a single energy retailer and we’ve chosen Flow Power. Flow Power financed, with support from the Victorian State Government and in-kind support from Renewable Newstead, then built the solar farm. Flow Power also sells the electricity to local consumers although households from outside the area can also buy their electricity from the Newstead solar farm via Flow Power. The farm generates enough electricity for about 1,000 households.
Electricity for Newstead and surrounds
Retail tariffs are structured to reward daytime energy use as opposed to the former off-peak tariff model which was designed to match night time energy availability supplied by coal-fired generators.
Providing 100% green power
Flow Power provides customers with 100% GreenPower-accredited electricity linked to the Newstead solar farm.
The Flow Power website tells you about them and about buying their electricity. You can also find more information here.
Old model
Energy comes from the grid to Newstead homes (even those with solar panels) where it’s billed by various retailers charging different tariffs.
New model
Energy from Newstead’s solar farm is fed into the grid . It’s then billed by Flow Power (Renewable Newstead’s partner) offering an electricity price that includes incentives for locals who sign up as customers. Watch our News & Resources page for updates on incentives.
“I believe that renewables must be a major part of our energy budget if our species is to survive. The time to implement is now, while we still have some non-renewables left to do it with. And why Newstead? Well, why not?
Denis Miller
Key benefits of the model
Newstead customers are able to sign up to receive electricity linked to the solar farm.
Sign-up is optional. No-one has to switch to the Newstead solar farm energy retailer.
Renewable electricity is better than bottled gas or wood, providing an alternative for Newstead that doesn’t have piped gas and where wood is becoming increasingly expensive.
