Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals

Chinese company Guohua Energy has signed an agreement to purchase a 75 per cent stake in the Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania.

Jobs and Water Commission go in Queensland budget

Staff numbers in the Queensland Energy and Water Supply Department will be reduced by half, with 135 job losses reducing the department to a workforce of 273.

NSW progress on plans to sell electricity plants

The NSW Government’s plans to sell the State’s electricity generators are being developed and the sale or lease of the Cobbora coal mine development is well underway, according to the Treasurer Mike Baird.

NSW Strategic Regional Land Use Policy released

The NSW Government has unveiled its Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, outlining 27 new measures designed to control competing land uses, with a focus on the impacts of coal seam gas mining on land and water resources.

AEMC releases draft changes to energy network regulation

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released proposed draft rule changes on the economic regulation of energy networks.

WA sites located for algae to biofuel extraction

Scientists have for the first time identified a number of WA sites capable of producing large quantities of commercial biofuel from microalgae.

Energex releases five-year blueprint

Energex has published its 2012-13 to 2016-17 Network Management Plan (NMP) providing a f blueprint for the company’s current and future plans for operating, maintaining and improving South East Queensland’s electricity supply.

NSW draft Renewable Energy Action Plan released for comment

The NSW Government has released its draft Renewable Energy Action Plan for public comment.

AEMC draft report on energy choice

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a draft report examining how consumers could make more informed choices about their electricity use.

The AEMC’s Power of Choice Review was requested by Commonwealth, state and territory energy ministers to look at changes to the existing market and regulatory arrangements to give consumers more control over their electricity usage and cost.

The AEMC’s draft report looks at how consumers get information about their electricity use and cost, and examines how electricity businesses can support customers to make informed choices.

Demand side options give consumers the ability to reduce or manage their electricity use, including options such as information on point in time costs for electricity, allowing consumers the choice to use electricity at a cheaper time.

The AEMC has released the draft report for public comment before it finalises its recommendations. The final report will be released later in the year.

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, said the Standing Council on Energy and Resources will respond to the report.

For further information see www.aemc.gov.au.

Terms of reference released for determination of Queensland electricity prices

The Queensland Government has released the terms of reference for the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) to determine regulated retail electricity prices for the next three years.

Casey to lead Petrel Energy

David Casey has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Petrel Energy Ltd.

Dirty electricity compensation plan abandoned

The Australian Government has abandoned its Contract for Closure Program, announcing that it will not be offering financial support to close emissions intensive power stations under the Program and ceasing negotiations with the electricity generators involved.

New solar feed-in tariff for Victoria

The Victorian Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission's (VCEC) final report into distributed generation and will introduce a new feed-in tariff for roof-top solar.

Meridian announces new wind farm for Victoria

New Zealand state-owned electricity generator, Meridian Energy, has announced its third wind farm in Australia, the 131 megawatt project to be constructed at Mt Mercer, 30 kilometres south of Ballarat in Victoria.

NSW electricity industry to take on 139 apprentices

The NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has announced that 139 new apprentices will start training next year across the NSW electricity network.

The new recruits will start work with the State’s three electricity network business – Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential Energy as apprentice line workers, cable jointers and substation technicians.

Mr Hartcher said the three network businesses were now recruiting for the new roles which included applications, exams, and interviews to help select the brightest bunch of new trainees.

“These new recruits will learn their trade as they work, ensuring they stay safe while maintaining a reliable and efficient electricity network for the people of NSW,” Mr Hartcher said. “They will become the next generation of frontline workers, learning from some of the best and most experienced power workers in the country.

“More than half of these new apprentices will be based in regional and rural NSW, helping to support local communities and local economies.”

The apprentice class of 2013 will learn their trade in both the classroom and on the job training throughout NSW.

Mr Hartcher said that the three electricity networks expected to employ a total of 1,200 graduating apprentices over the next four years.