First Nations-owned Yurringa Energy inks contract with nbn

Yurringa Energy executives wearing hard hats and high-vis jackets stand at construction site
Image: Yurringa Energy

NBN Co and Yurringa Energy have signed a $1.6 million contract that will see NBN Co power its major network operation sites across Queensland and South Australia with electricity from the First Nations-owned business.

Under the energy retail agreement, nbn is purchasing around 8GWh per year of electricity as part of its commitment to drive digital capability in partnership with First Nations people and explore ways to deliver social and economic benefits for communities.

The agreement will help nbn contribute to a more inclusive and equitable national economy and is aligned to the national First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which aims to address key barriers to digital inclusion.

Yurringa Energy became Australia’s first Indigenous-owned energy retail company when it launched in Victoria in August 2024. The company aims to be the largest employer of First Nations people and has committed to a goal that at least 50 per cent of its workforce will be comprised of First Nations people.

The electricity retail supply agreement with NBN Co marks its first foray outside its home state.

Yurringa Energy CEO Shane Wilkins said, “The nbn network supports domestic, commercial, industrial, and essential service sectors across Australia and Yurringa Energy is honoured to power their operations in Queensland and South Australia. We’re equally excited to work with local communities as we grow our workforce and strengthen our impact.”

Gavin Williams, chief development officer regional and remote, and executive sponsor of nbn’s fifth Reconciliation Action Plan, said, “High-speed, reliable broadband enabled by the nbn network supports economic, social and employment outcomes for our customers and the nation—now and into the future.

“I’m proud that as a significant consumer of electricity, nbn is able to leverage its supply chain to contribute to the creation of First Nations employment opportunities.

“By partnering with Yurringa Energy we’re not only getting a good commercial deal, importantly we’re playing a role in transformative change by contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economy.”

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