Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Charles Darwin University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Incospec and Associates Australia that will further its capacity for education, research and on-the-job training related to the needs of the oil and gas industry.

Perth has gained Australia's first electric car recharge network with 23 new fast-charge stations installed across the metro area in a project led by researchers from The University of Western Australia.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has officially opened the Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW's new home for energy research.

A new report by Geoscience Australia and the Northern Territory Geological Survey has identified potential uranium and geothermal energy-related resources in the southern part of the Northern Territory.

A researcher at the Queensland University of Technology is developing a solar cooling and heating system for the home that will run independently of the electricity grid and generate domestic hot water as a by-product.

The final round of grants under the National Solar Schools Program has been announced, resulting in  nearly 60% of primary and secondary schools across Australia now having received more than $217 million to install renewable energy, rainwater tanks and boost energy efficiency on campus.

University of Sydney researchers will be looking for ways to slash energy consumption for the heating and cooling of buildings  at Australia's first comfort laboratory, a research facility that will also improve homes and workplaces in Australia and internationally.

A Senate Select Committee on Electricity Prices has been  formed by Parliament to undertake a detailed inquiry into the key causes of electricity price increases over recent years and those likely in the future.

Australia’s clean energy goals could be thwarted by recent amendments to the Victorian Planning Framework for wind farm developments, a study by the University of Melbourne Law School has found.