Independent Alex Dyson pitches Portland energy hub as Wannon contest heats up

Independent Wannon candidate Alex Dyson will push for funding to establish “an outreach centre staffed by energy experts”, if elected on May 3.

Dyson said the “one-stop-shop” — working title the Portland Local Energy Hub — would help residents navigate energy options and potentially reduce power costs.

"In my conversations with thousands of people across Wannon, a key issue being raised is the need for lower power prices, and for our region to get a better deal from renewable energy," Dyson said.

"In response to these concerns, I have been working with locals, together with experts, to identify practical solutions that I can fight for in parliament, including Energy Independence Grants for farmers to install solar and batteries at no upfront cost."

Meanwhile, a new YouGov poll suggests Dyson has an even chance of unseating sitting member, the Liberal Party’s Dan Tehan.

The poll, released on Sunday, puts Dyson at 50.6 percent of the two-candidate-preferred vote, with Tehan on 49.4 percent. If this poll was replicated on election day it would mean a mere 606 votes would separate Dyson and Tehan.

"The only things we know for sure [are] that many Wannon voters are moving away from both major parties, and this race is extremely close," Dyson said.

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