Magnetic Island has undergone a sustainable energy transformation to help change the way people think about and use energy – now and into the future.

The Magnetic Island Solar Suburb initiative was undertaken by Ergon Energy as part of the Townsville Queensland Solar City project.  Through a range of initiatives carried out on Magnetic Island, Ergon Energy aims to reduce 'peak demand' and electricity usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money and defer investment in augmenting the network.

Some recent key results include:

• Peak demand in December 2011 was 40% below predicted Business as Usual for Maggie without the Solar City project. It is 19% below the target for the project and 2% less than the 2010 peak.
• Energy consumption continues to reduce and levels are now 12% below the peak annual usage, having returned to 2007 levels.
• The installation of a third cable to the island (at an estimated cost of $17 million) has been deferred for another 8 years.
• 33 520 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were saved by 30 June 2011.
• Energy Assessments have been provided to 75% of the island residents and all of the businesses. An energy assessment results in a fall in energy consumption of 8% (measured 6-12 months later).
• By the end of 2011, 700kWs of solar PV systems had been installed. The milestone of one gigawatt hour of solar electricity generated by the Solar City panels since the project commenced was passed in May 2011.
• 1414 smart meters had been installed by 30 June 2011.
• There is strong evidence emerging that behaviour change brought about by comprehensive energy assessments and extensive community engagement is resulting in a noticeable reduction in electricity consumption.

For more information on the achievements of the project, contact Solar City Community Engagement Manager Julie Heath on 0408 862 520. You can also visit the Smart Lifestyle Centre on Horseshoe Bay Road at Horseshoe Bay, open weekdays from 9am to 4pm.