Energy efficiency measures have saved Cairns Regional Council in the order of $260,000 in energy costs in the last financial year, according to a greenhouse gas inventory report tabled last week.

 The report provides data on Council’s energy use and greenhouse emissions output and illustrates the savings that have occurred during the past five years.

 Mayor Manning said increased energy efficiency was the most effective way to combat electricity costs.

 “If it wasn’t for an overall 4% cut in electricity usage, our bill for the year would have been much greater,” Cr Manning said.

 “We are needing to factor in rising costs to our budget and by finding new avenues to reduce consumption, we are managing to keep those increases to a minimum."

 The retro fitting of energy-efficient lighting will utilise a $300,000 grant provided to Council through the Federal Government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program.

 Cr Manning said Council was well on its way to achieving its long-term goal of a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2020.

 “Almost half of Council’s emissions are from electricity consumption and the plans that are in place to significantly reduce our electricity use will in turn save ratepayers money.”

 In the 2011-12 financial year, Council facilities and operations produced 70,140 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This compares to 86,197 tonnes the previous financial year and 95,208 in 2007-08.

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