Go Renewable Energy Group-Buy Project

A Project to lower our electricity bills whilst preserving our environment
GREG is a group of volunteers formed out of a Macedon Ranges Shire Council (MRSC) community engagement program called Cool Changes. We are committed to supporting Macedon Ranges homes and businesses to:
save electricity costs
reduce fossil fuel emissions
increase energy self-sufficiency.
In doing so, we will be assisting Macedon Ranges Shire Council achieve its goal of zero net emissions for the shire by 2030.
Our first project is a Go Renewables community Group Buy scheme for the supply and installation of such energy saving devices as:
Solar power (PV) systems
Batteries
Heat pumps
Reverse cycle air conditioners
We chose these technologies because, separately or in combination, they provide the best route towards a solar driven all electric house and energy independence.
To find the best available products at the best prices with high quality installation we have undertaken a rigorous Selection process (see the Project Partner Selection Process Blog below) and have selected several trusted partners and will refer enquiries to those companies that will best be able to advise and quote you on the areas of interest that you indicate on the Expression of Interest Form.
Expression of Interest
If you are interested in exploring the use of a Solar PV system or PV system linked to a battery and / or hot water heat pump and / or reverse cycle air conditioning, please complete the form below and click on the submit button and we will have one of our Trusted Partners contact you for a full consultation. Also scan front and back of your Electricity bill and send it to greg@mrsg.org.au or you can mail it to PO Box 820 Gisborne 3437 to allow analysis of your current usage.

Supports the GREG Project
MRSG are holding a live Stream event at the Woodend Neighbourhood House at 6.30 Tuesday 14 October for people who can’t make it to the live event in Bendigo
In late 2024, the Australian government passed legislation to allow electric vehicles (EVs) to power homes and send power back to the grid, adding to the growing list of reasons to buy an EV
We are excited to announce we were awarded a Community Climate Action grant for $5000 from Macedon Ranges Shire Council for project planning and community engagement
Electrify 3442 is running a Community Survey and we’re on the lookout for households at various stages of electrification ) and happy to share their stories on our website. Read our news >>
We want to thank MRSG so very much for your support with our bulk buys in 2023.
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about getting off gas. It’s expensive, it’s an indoor pollutant and as electricity from the grid gets cleaner (in terms of its carbon emissions, thanks to reduced production from coal and increased production from renewables like solar) gas isn’t the dream fuel it used to be.
Here are some resources to help you find out more about why and how to get off gas, and news of some events coming up later this month to help you work out a detailed plan of action.
Woodend, in our very own Macedon Ranges was recently dubbed the most liveable regional town in Victoria and we couldn’t be prouder! Among the criteria for the gong, according to an article published in the Sunday Herald Sun, were great transport links, services and job opportunities along with good schools, parks and gardens and fine food.
Upcoming Events
Blogs
Electrify Macedon Ranges (EMR), an MRSG Action Group, have produced a 28 page Home Electrify Planner
It’s presented in a clear, practical format and packed with concise, helpful information.
No matter where you are on your electrification journey—just starting out or already experienced—this guide will be valuable.
With helpful links and the offer of volunteer support, it’s a truly comprehensive resource designed to empower the community and save people money.
You will soon be able to pick up your copy at a library near you.
Can’t wait? Read more about EMR here: https://mrsg.org.au/electrify-macedon-ranges
New Rebate for Home Batteries will save you money and could save our grid
Not sure what “net zero emissions” means? Want to know how you can impact climate change?
Project Drawdown has produced an excellent series of 6 videos, ranging from 10-25 minutes, explaining where we can have the most impact on climate.
This is a thought-provoking series, highly recommended for anyone starting out on the road to sustainability.
Thermal imaging cameras detect areas of heat loss and unwanted heat gain, and allow you to make changes, many of them low or no cost, that will make your home more comfortable and save energy and money.
A few weeks ago, the IPCC released a report titled, “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability“. Even though the report focuses on impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptive practices on a global scale, I have tried to derive some adaptation principles that could be applied to the Macedon Ranges.
Home energy saving tips such as stopping draughts, LED lighting, heating, windows, energy monitoring, insulation, motion sensor lights, standby power and solar PV.
The Malmsbury Neighbourhood Battery Information Session was a great success and project planning is now full steam ahead