Key energy stakeholders not consulted on government’s ‘big stick’ penalties
Energy industry experts and advisers were either ignored or given inadequate time by government to provide advice on its big stick energy laws, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) says it was only given a few days to respond to the legislation. Meanwhile, the Energy Security Board claims it was […]
Fire fighting veteran slams government for climate change bushfires link
Former top fire fighter Greg Mullins says Federal Government inaction on emissions reduction is worsening the bushfire threat and putting people and homes at greater risk. He says that a climate change bushfires increase link is undeniable. Mullins was a fire-fighter for around 50 years. A former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner, he received an […]
Clean Energy Council blasts Coalition plans to underwrite coal-fired power generation
The Morrison Government’s plans to underwrite coal-fired power generation will undermine Australia’s clean energy boom and increase harmful emissions. That’s the verdict of Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC). The professional body for the renewables industry has attacked the new federal program for appearing to favour “high cost and high emissions” power like coal over clean […]
Deakin University breaks ground on Geelong solar-powered microgrid project
Deakin University has broken ground on a $30 million solar-powered microgrid at its Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong, Victoria. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander last week joined officials from project partner AusNet Services to turn the ceremonial first sod on the project. As we reported in 2017, the 7.25 MW microgrid will include a solar farm, […]
Pro-coal MP Craig Kelly blames renewables for Victorian power outages
Coalition MP Craig Kelly is blaming wind and solar energy for Victorian power outages last month – despite the fact it was coal-fired plants which failed. Kelly told 2GB radio presenter Alan Jones that renewables are responsible for Australia’s rising power prices and grid problems, including power outages. He said it was therefore “dangerous stupidity” to […]
Households could save hundreds of dollars a year with a regulated electricity price
The Federal Government’s regulated electricity price plan could cut annual power bills by up to $440. A joint report by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and the Brotherhood of St Laurence shows a default power price could cut electricity bills in New South Wales and Victoria by around a third. In addition, the […]
Federal program to build new electricity sources: 66 applications, but no wind or solar
The Federal Government has received 66 applications for its new energy underwriting program. However, none of the applications were for wind or solar power. Flagged in December last year, the Underwriting New Generation Investments program aims to encourage more competition in the energy market and bring electricity prices down. It will do this by underwriting […]
Senate Committee calls for national electric vehicle strategy
A Senate Committee report has called for a national electric vehicle strategy to boost the number of EVs on Australian roads. In a sweeping report, the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles makes 17 recommendations to increase EV uptake in Australia. The committee’s report says Australia risks falling behind other nations because of a failure by […]
Australia will need to do more to meet emissions targets: OECD report
While PM Scott Morrison believes Australia will meet its emissions targets “at a canter”, the latest international assessment begs to differ. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) just published its third Environmental Performance Report of Australia. The OECD found Australia has one of the highest rates of non-renewable energy use among its 36 […]
Queenslanders cut back essentials to pay costly summer power bills: iSelect
Many Queensland households are cutting back on essentials like groceries to help them cover their upcoming summer power bills. That’s the finding of YouGov Galaxy research commissioned by price comparison site iSelect. It reveals 1.1 million Queenslanders struggling to pay energy bills. This means 63 per cent of Queenslanders are making cutbacks ahead of the […]