Power to the people: Plan to ‘bulk buy’ peninsula electricity

BELLARINE Peninsula residents are banding together to fight rising electricity costs.
They have established Portarlington PowerGroup to bulk buy power on behalf of consumers at Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards.
Portarlington Community Association is spearheading the initiative.
Spokesman John Turner said acting as a single buying group could allow consumers to secure a better deal from power providers.
“We’ve invited energy retailers to bid for local business with their best package in terms of price and service.
“We expect savings of between $100 and $300 a year per customer, depending on usage.”
Mr Turner said the group would call for and renew tenders annually.
“It’ll keep retailers on their toes and help ensure we continue achieving the best deal possible.”
Mr Turner said 400 residents had signed up for the scheme so far.
“We’re expecting hundreds more to follow suit in the near future.”
Under the scheme subscribers could register more than one residence, Mr Turner said.
“So if a customer signs up for a holiday house on the peninsula that deal can also apply to their main residence in Geelong or Melbourne.”
Mr Turner said the Bellarine deal would initially cover only residences but he expected a separate arrangement covering businesses in the near future.
The new scheme had many benefits, he said.
“It’s a great way of bringing people together, creating community spirit and encouraging people to work for the common good. It also has a strong financial benefit.”
Bulk-buying scheme promoter Chris Kechagias said similar schemes operated throughout the country.
He believed community buying groups were the way of the future.
“We currently have 12 suburban and regional buying groups in the throes of being set up in Victoria, with more registering their interest all the time,” Mr Kechagias said.
“This is people power at its most positive”.
Mr Turner said Bellarine residents could register their interest via the website www.poweregrouppurchasing.com.