AGL will install solar energy systems across more than 850 Salvation Army sites, in a new partnership to support the Salvos reduce operational costs and become a more sustainable organisation.

The solar installations are expected to generate around 23 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy per year, the equivalent of reducing the Salvos’ annual greenhouse gas emissions by around 17,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.[1]

The partnership with AGL will also trial battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at select locations across Australia.

AGL Chief Customer Officer, Christine Corbett said the partnership with The Salvation Army is centred around supporting the not-for-profit to decarbonise and be part of Australia’s evolving energy transition.

“The Salvation Army has been helping Australian communities for 140 years and we are proud to be powering their decarbonisation journey,” Ms Corbett said.

“We know that more and more businesses are setting goals to reduce their emissions and we are committed to offering tailored and innovative energy solutions that support these objectives.

“By installing low emission technology like solar we are creating affordable solutions so the Salvos can do what they do best and direct their resources to those who need it most.

“The work of the Salvos has never been more important as Australians are managing the impacts of the pandemic and we want to support this work by being the power that sits behind them.

“This partnership helps keep the lights on for the Salvos and supports them in continuing to shine their light in communities across the country.”

The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary, Colonel Winsome Merrett said substantial savings on running costs frees up additional funds for caring for vulnerable Australians.

“However, this is not a project we could have even contemplated without AGL taking on the capital costs and partnering with us through the operational years,” Colonel Merrett said.

“So, we are sincerely grateful to the commitment shown by AGL to set us on a more sustainable path across Australia as we care for people and our planet.”

AGL will also offer Salvation Army employees and volunteers an exclusive business employee energy rate for residential electricity and gas.

[1] Based on the displacement of the equivalent amount of power being purchased from the grid at FY21 state-based intensities. Carbon emission reductions and energy cost saving figures are based on estimates and exact figures will depend on energy usage and weather conditions.