Energy Minister Angus Taylor to retailers: we may intervene to cut power prices
Energy Minister Angus Taylor has restated his goal: to lower electricity prices while keeping the lights on. In a media statement titled ‘Cut the energy virtue signalling and start serving customers’, Taylor made it clear his only interest is in reducing prices. He warned retailers that while the Liberal Party is generally against market intervention, […]
Record renewable energy share surge is driving down power prices
A renewable energy share surge broke another record last month. Renewables now supply over a quarter of the National Electricity Market (NEM). That’s the finding of the Australia Institute’s latest quarterly Emissions Audit. It shows a “surge in wind and solar projects” is now acting as one of the only things reducing national power prices. […]
S&P Global: Coal-fired power stations are a poor investment
Private investment in coal-fired power plants is highly unlikely due to poor investment returns. That’s the verdict of financial analysis giant S&P Global in a new report. The credit ratings agency says the worldwide push for lower carbon emissions is making coal less attractive. Reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, S&P says renewable energy backed […]
National register of solar panel and battery installations gets underway
Home solar power and battery installations will be included in a new national register of distributed energy resources. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) says the register will give network businesses a valuable window into the electricity market. It’s scheduled for completion by December 1, 2019. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) will set up […]
Victoria’s solar panels through the roof with Solar Homes program official launch
Victorian households who installed solar panels on or after August 19 can now apply for a Solar Homes rebate via the Solar Victoria website. According to Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, eligible applicants can now receive half the cost of their installation back, capped at $2,225. As a result of the Solar Homes rebate program […]
Wind and solar power are unstoppable, even without government support: Deloitte report
Australian wind and solar power are booming despite the Australian government’s retreat on carbon emissions and energy policy, a Deloitte report claims. The ‘Global Renewable Energy Trends’ report also says Australia enjoys the lowest global cost for solar panels. South Australia and China are named as cheapest locations for concentrated solar generation. Renewables have now […]
Josh Frydenberg: Honouring Paris agreement commitment will not affect electricity prices
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told radio presenter Alan Jones today that sticking to the Paris agreement commitment on emissions reduction makes no difference one way or the other when it comes to energy prices and reliability. When quizzed about the Paris accord on Jones’ radio show, Frydenberg said the real issue was doing everything possible to reduce power […]
Property owners clean energy guide lays out cost-saving options
A new, easy to use property owners clean energy guide sets out the options and financial benefits of clean energy for property owners and managers. Produced by the Property Council of Australian and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the ‘Distributed Energy in the Property Sector’ guide suggests practical, clean energy options for property owners and […]
Clean Energy Council’s 100th approved solar retailer
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is celebrating its 100th Approved Solar Retailer under a scheme designed to give customers safe choices. The Approved Solar Retailer program helps Australians choose a solar company committed to safe, quality solar installations. As a result customers receive a minimum five-year whole-of-system product warranty. They also enjoy customer service over […]
Victoria takes the lead on state solar installation subsidies
Recent developments show that Victoria is leading the pack when it comes to state solar installation subsidies. The Andrews Government’s Solar Homes scheme announced in August is a glittering carrot dangled by a government facing a November election. But when it comes to solar energy policy, let’s accept that the ends may have to justify […]
