The City of Coffs Harbour Council in New South Wales has moved to join a large group-buying power agreement to secure cheaper electricity for its facilities and street lighting. At a meeting on 26 February 2026, the council decided to participate in a coordinated plan that is expected to lower energy costs for council operations by between 22 and 27 per cent based on the results of past participants.
The new electricity supply agreement will cover the period from 1 July 2027 to 31 December 2030. By locking in these lower rates, the council aims to reduce the financial pressure on residents and free up more money for local community projects and services.
Coffs Harbour is joining a program managed by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils. This group uses the collective bargaining power of many different local governments to get better prices than a single council could find on its own.
The group currently buys power through Zen Energy, which provides renewable energy from solar farms across the state. The agreement includes “green” power options that will help the council reach its targets for using cleaner energy.
Mayor Nikki Williams noted that the deal was made possible through the city’s work with the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation. General Manager Murray Wood has been authorised to finalise the agreement to ensure the community benefits from these long-term savings.
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