In October and November of 2008, Tropical Energy Solutions, as part of the Kleinhardt Sustainability and Eco-Efficiency Group (KSEG), undertook  the huge task to audit 56 Ergon Energy depots around Queensland. Stretching from Warwick to Cooktown and from the coast to Mt Isa, depots were audited to assess current energy usage, annual energy consumption and electricity related GHG emissions. The project was conducted on behalf of the Corporate Sustainability and Innovation group in Ergon.

Reports were prepared for each depot and examined appliance specific recommendations, as well as general recommendations, aimed at achieving an overall load reduction through technical, operational and behavioural changes.

Significant savings were found which will benefit the bottom line profitability of Ergon Energy and have a positive impact on the environment though reduced GHG emissions.

Following the audits KSEG conducted 6 workshops in regional sites along the coast to explain the findings to Ergon Head Office and Depot Managers. Suggestions on how to implement the recommendations were also provided.

Ergon Energy are now implementing the suggested changes at their Stanthorpe depot and will look to roll out similar changes at other depots in the near future.