Energy efficiency evening to boost knowledge & cut bills

Justin Hoad (right) with a selection of electric bikes at FarmFest near Toowoomba in June
01st Sep 2026

Residents across the region are invited to attend a practical community event focused on reducing energy use, lowering household costs, and exploring new opportunities in energy efficiency and electrification.
Delivered by GLENRAC and supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, the evening will bring together speakers with expertise in household energy use, farming innovation, and smart energy management.
The program will feature presentations from:
• Justin Hoad, Uralla farmer and innovator, on the use of electric motorbikes in agricultural settings, highlighting safe, cost-effective and sustainable transport solutions.
•Emeritus Professor Trevor Brown (UNE), Founder of Electrify Armidale and Project Lead for EASE Armidale, on community energy-saving strategies, electrification, and support available for households.
• Heidi McElnea, based in Guyra, works with businesses, farmers and community groups to build practical skills in sustainability. This includes advice on practical home energy efficiency by reducing the power consumption of household appliances, as well as ways to access cheaper energy through solar and time-of-use pricing.
• Matt Peterson, founder of Automised Energy, on how households can use real electricity data to choose the most cost-effective energy plans and reduce bills.
GLENRAC CEO, Kylie Falconer, said the evening will provide practical, real-world advice that attendees can apply immediately at home or on the farm, as well as insights into emerging technologies and support programs
Eliza James, GLENRAC Project Officer and event organiser, said the event is about giving people straightforward tools and knowledge to better manage their energy use and costs
The Energy Efficiency Evening will be held on Wednesday September 16th, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Glen Innes & District Services Club, 319 Grey St, Glen Innes. A light supper will be provided.
RSVP is essential by Friday September 11th via Eliza.James@glenrac.org.au or 6732 3443.