The aim of the project is to increase the use and production of renewable energy in East Gippsland.

The benefits include attracting new investment in the region, keeping energy generation costs within the region and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels. In 2016 Council secured $180,000 in competitive State funding for an East Gippsland renewable energy planning project.

The first stage of this project was funded by the Victorian Climate Change Grants 2015 program, and involved assessing the network grid to look at the opportunities and constraints across the Shire for distributed renewable energy. It has identified a broad range of options for the region.

The second stage of the project will be funded by the New Energy Jobs Fund and will build on the assessment work and prioritise the most appropriate new energy technology options for East Gippsland to have detailed businesses cases developed.

While the project is principally about renewable energy, the recommended approach is to always consider energy efficiency first, and then options for renewable energy to transition towards a low carbon economy. At a household, business and community level, this can also mean saving money and emissions.