In the last newsletter we talked about the costs of Australian Inland Energy’s greenpower, and suggested it might even be slightly cheaper than brownpower, depending on your usage. The latest news is that their standing charge has increased from 25.3 cents per day to 44.05 cents per day, close to Country Energy’s standing charge. With greenpower you turn the lights off for financial reasons. With brownpower there’s more of an environmental imperative. Brownpower’s cheap price really doesn’t reflect its true environmental cost.

There are now 85,000 greenpower customers in Australia, mostly over 55 home owners or young families. NSW has had the lowest greenpower growth. No wonder. The brownpower status quo is firmly entrenched. My greenpower contract ended when I moved house. I was forced to return to Country Energy, because they control the infrastructure. Now I’m trying to arrange a new contract with Inland Energy, who while they sell lovely truly sustainable power, are a bit laid-back in their customer service. AIE doesn’t charge a bond. Country Energy charges $180.00. Origin Energy sells wind and solar power. They will soon be in NSW and are probably worth checking out. Remember, it’s all electricity, but with greenpower you are investing in the sustainable power industry. If you are changing over, let us know how you go.

Australian Inland Energy www.australianinland.com.au

Origin Energy www.originenergy.com.au

-Clara