Green Town project
The Green Town project in Denmark and Walpole is a series of environmentally friendly energy efficiency initiatives originally developed by Western Power and the communities of Denmark and Walpole, via the South Coast Power Working Group. Green Town promotes energy efficiency, reduces peak power consumption and assists in the improvement of power reliability.
Are you taking part in the trial? View the Energy Monitoring Unit (EMU) video tutorial here.
South Coast Power Working Group
The South Coast Power Working Group (SCPWG) was formed between Western Power and representatives of the Denmark and Walpole communities in early 2007 to engage with the community, seek feedback and potentially develop alternative energy solutions for improving the quality and reliability of supply to the area.
Green Town initiatives
The following initiatives have been implemented in Denmark and Walpole:
- free replacement of inefficient incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) in 600 homes and businesses, which has:
- saved the average household approximately $730 over the life of the bulbs
- reduced electricity consumption equivalent to providing enough power for 20 more homes
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking approximately 700 cars off the road for a year.
- appliance surveys conducted in homes and businesses to determine which appliances are contributing to peak demand. The results of the surveys have also helped Western Power and the community to better target further demand side management programs in the area
- an Energy Education Program to raise awareness about small ways in which residents and businesses can make a big difference to reduce power consumption and increase energy efficiency.
We aim to make the Green Town project and its energy solutions initiatives transferable to other 'edge of grid' communities in order to encourage consumers to reduce their level of energy use at times of peak demand.
The latest Green Town project initiative is a trial to test the functionality and impact of an energy monitoring unit (EMU) at times of peak demand. The trial will be conducted over the Easter holiday period, when times of peak demand are historically at their highest in the Denmark and Walpole area.
Trial numbers are strictly limited to 200 households, and only available to properties fitted with an eligible smart meter. This is because the EMU receives electricity information in real time from the smart meter.
If you would like more information on the Green Town project, please call 13 10 87 or email the Project Manager on neil.burton@westernpower.com.au .
Energy Monitoring Unit (EMU) video tutorial
