Mayoral Column – Energy-saving initiatives benefit Penrith long term

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Penrith City Council is celebrating milestones as we continue to make strides towards a cleaner and greener future.

Building community resilience and making sustainable choices about our own operations is a priority for Council. We are proud of the impactful ways that we are saving money and energy, and protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

In 2026, Council’s first electric vehicle turns 7. Our Renault Kangoo has travelled 105,302km and cost $2,871 to recharge – just over $400 a year. It runs on GreenPower which is 100% renewable energy and produces zero emissions.

Our second electric vehicle - fondly known as Evie and used by Penrith City Libraries to deliver books, DVDs, toys and other resources to people in the community – has covered 16,127km at a cost of $440.

These low running costs are put into perspective as the country’s fuel crisis and rising costs of living are impacting everyone in Penrith. Adding electric vehicles – and more recently trialling an electric lawn mower – to our fleet are examples of the steps Council is taking to improve operational efficiency and make more meaningful changes with lasting benefits for our organisation and community.

You may have noticed rooftop solar panels on Council buildings across the City – like childcare centres, community facilities and Ripples Leisure Centre. During 2024-25, Council generated 2,074GJ of electricity from 45 facilities. We’ve also upgraded our street lighting over the years and any replacements are LED, energy-efficient lights.

In March, Council supported Earth Hour for the 20th year by switching off all non-essential lighting at our facilities, and we thank the many residents and businesses who join the global movement with us.

All this important work demonstrates leadership by Council and responds to the actions and targets set out in our Resilient Penrith Action Plan 2021-30.

Council is proud to continue supporting our community through various initiatives that encourage people to become more energy-efficient at home and at work.

To learn more visit penrith.city/sustainability and sign up to Council’s Sustainability e-Newsletter for handy tips and details about upcoming workshops and events.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 6 May 2026.