AN ANNUAL reduction in electricity costs of up to $35,000 is on the cards for Mount Gambier Community RSL with installation of a solar power system and new generation interior lighting.
The 100kw power generation system will consist of 360 solar panels on the roof of the Sturt Street premises and should be installed by early August.
It is estimated the system will reduce electricity costs from the current 25c/kw to around 16c/kw – a yearly saving of around $10,000.
RSL president Bob Sandow told The Border Watch yesterday the $100,000 system came free of charge as part of a seven year contract deal with Origin Energy.
The energy provider will maintain the system during the contract period and the RSL will have the option to renew the contract thereafter or buy the system for $1.
In addition, the RSL can secure an income by partnering with the provider and recommending the provider to potential clients.
“We are also in the process of changing our existing interior light bulbs to the LED format to reduce our electricity bill,” Mr Sandow said.
“It will cost us around $20,000 to replace the 250 or so light bulbs in the building, but should bring our power bill down from $12,000 to $10,000 a month.
“Potentially we are looking at a saving of around $24,000 a year.”
Mr Sandow said the solar system in conjunction with LED lights could reduce the RSL’s electricity costs by around $35,000 a year.
“In addition to reducing our power costs, the new technology we are installing is also relatively environmentally friendly, which is a step in the right direction,” Mr Sandow said.
