Energy Forever works by raising funds to purchase community-owned solar energy systems to place on various host sites around the Port Macquarie-Hastings area.

Committee chairperson Steve Lockhart said Energy Forever works by putting the proceeds from electricity sales into a grants fund to support further sustainability projects in the area.

“The community will benefit from the grants and support of local jobs, host sites will reduce their power costs and their carbon footprint; and the environment will benefit from increased uptake of clean renewable energy,” he said.

“The response from the public so far has been fantastic. It’s really encouraging to know that we live in a community of people that care so much about each other and the environment.

“Now we’re looking for just a few more generous sponsors to get our first installation up and running – and generating grant funds.”

The first host site for an Energy Forever solar photovoltaic system will be St Agnes Early Education Centre.

Keeping an eye on the future horizon, Energy Forever is continuing to seek and evaluate additional host sites and is eager to hear from potential hosts.

The draft criteria and processes for Energy Forever’s community sustainability grants program are also ready for when funds become available.

Energy Forever treasurer  Angela Frimberger, said the sooner that the system is generating electricity, the sooner it’s generating funds for community grants.

“We’re so close now, and we’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors and donors who have brought the project this far,” she said.

“Now, we’re naturally very keen for those last few panel sponsorships or co-sponsorships so that the first system can be installed.”

To learn more about Energy Forever, the annual meeting is on April 26 or go to www.pmhsn.org.au/energy-forever or www.facebook.com/pmhsustainabilitynetwork, email energyforever@pmhsn.org.au, or call 0419 161 568.