What is The Herd?

The Herd is a new Australian social enterprise, using group purchasing power to provide better value for ethical and sustainable products and services. Top

Does the Herd charge fees? How does it make money?

As part of the deal, the Herd will take proceeds from the deal to cover its operations, and to invest in renewable energy assets in and around the communities we touch. As part of each offer, these amounts are readily available to herd members. Top

What do I get out of being a member of The Herd?

You will be an important addition to our strength, helping us increase our negotiating power in the market, and to create an increase in demand for renewable energy. We will keep you informed of great offers across renewable energy, and soon in other categories, and keep you abreast of our progress. Top

I live outside of Victoria. Can I participate in Herd Offers today?

From now through until February 2012, our offers are available to Victorian households only. We are making progress to secure a number of deals in South Australia, NSW, ACT and Queensland, and hope to make announcements to that effect early in 2012. In the meantime, register your interest for each of the offers, and we’ll contact you when these deals become available. Top

I run a business – can I register my business for Herd Offers?

We are currently negotiating with Suppliers for HerdPower deals for small and medium sized business. This will mean standard HerdPower – 100% Renewable Energy at great prices, and the option of HerdPower+, serious green energy offers to invest in new and exciting renewable energy projects. We hope to have these facilities in place by February 2012. Top

Will it cost me more?

Our main goal is to make the purchase of clean energy a simple choice, and to get the most competitive price for energy that you can buy on the market. In fact, we have managed to negotiate for a price for 100% renewable electricity that is exactly the same as the current dirty electricity coming from coal. You can choose to pay more for HerdPower+ (Seriously Green Energy) to match the GreenPower price, which we will invest in new renewable assets, but the baseline is to see everyone pay the same or less than you pay today. Top

How can I be sure it’s 100% renewable energy?

The Herd works with energy retailers and generators to find the best sources of renewable energy that are coming on the market. We “follow the money” to make sure your dollars go into new clean energy.When we send out details of our offers, you will see exactly where your energy is coming from – the wind turbines, the Solar Parks and perhaps other innovative 100% renewable sources that are appearing around the country.

For those who want to find out more, read our blogs, post a question, and we’ll attempt to provide answers to the community the best we can. Top

What if I already have Solar?

Having solar panels on your roof means that you are already a proponent of renewable energy. Aside from keeping your energy costs down, it typically supplies only a small percentage of your daily energy consumption, meaning you need to buy your basic supply from the right retailer for you. As part of its criteria, The Herd makes sure that migrations for households with Solar are made simple, and offer good standard and premium feed-in tariffs (known as PFIT and SFIT).

Differences between GreenPower and 100% Renewable Energy

The 100% GreenPower products work by directing proceeds to new renewable projects such as Wind Farms, making them more viable. However, it doesn’t indicate the integrity of your base energy supply, when coming from the open market is typically 85% coal and gas.The 100% Renewable Energy products largely come from pre-1997 assets, such as Hydro power. They are unmistakably renewable energy, but they are cheaper products, and do not direct money to the creation of more Wind or Solar.

We think both have merit, and so The Herd is changing the model by introducing HerdPower. We encourage everyone to source their basic energy from 100% renewable energy. Then, we mobilise enough members to stand up new Wind and Solar farms, spending our funds on renewable energy, and developing new products that drive more investment into renewables. This is HerdPower+, with seriously green energy offers to contribute to these exciting projects of your choice. Top

How do we sign-up?

1. Be part of the movement, and become a member by providing your email address and postcode such that we can represent you in our negotiations.
2. Register for one or more of the Offers, and you will be part of the negotiations with our suppliers to reach the best products and price points.
3. Once we’ve negotiated a deal and have assembled the numbers for a great price, we will email you with the details, and a few easy steps to follow to agree to the Terms and Conditions of that offer. Top

When can I expect to hear back once I’ve registered?

We will be in touch every few weeks after you register for an offer, giving you an update on our progress. As our first HerdPower offers are in Victoria, and subject to the regulatory price changes over the December/January period, the offer will likely be finalised towards the end of January 2012. Top

If I register, does that become a binding agreement with anyone?

If you register for an offer, then you will be agreeing to the pricing and Terms and Conditions of the Offer, and entering a relationship with that third party provider, and under the Terms of Service of the Herd. There may be other steps before transfer is complete, however registering should be considered a commitment to transferring energy suppliers. Top

What other offers are The Herd negotiating?

Our vision is to create a community of responsible consumers to engage in sustainable lifestyles. Renewable Energy is the but the first product, there are more in the works. All of them will be high quality, great prices, and lead to a better world. We will keep you informed of all of our mass migrations, upcoming events, and new deals as they come available. Top