The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is seeking public feedback on a rule change request to the National Electricity Rules (NER) from State and Federal Energy Ministers. The rule change request was submitted by Federal Minister for Climate Change, Chris Bowen, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, and Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan. The AEMC […]
Policy
The Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, has formally introduced the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid) Bill 2024. The government said the bill is the next step in establishing VicGrid and ensuring it has the powers to modernise the way new energy infrastructure is planned and developed in Victoria, while giving communities a voice in the process. VicGrid […]
WA passes bill to modernise electricity rules
Kody Cook Electricity, News, Policy, Renewable Energy, Spotlight 0The Western Australian Parliament has passed the Electricity Industry Amendment (Distributed Energy Resources) Bill 2023, which includes a new State Electricity Objective and streamlined electricity regulations. The Electricity Industry Amendment (Distributed Energy Resources) Bill 2023, which amends the Electricity Industry Act 2004, is the first major update of sector-wide electricity legislation in 20 years. The bill introduces a new State […]
NT Gov releases surface water intake policy
Kody Cook News, Policy, Spotlight, Sustainability, Water 0The Northern Territory Government has released the Surface Water Intake – Wet Season Flows Policy, which is set to provide protection to the territory’s waterways and certainty around water use for industry, landholders and anglers. The policy provides guidance to industry about access to wet season flows, and a pathway for responsible and sustainable economic development. The policy is precautionary, […]
New South Wales and Tokyo have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), one with a focus on hydrogen energy. New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, and the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, signed an updated agreement solidifying a continued partnership in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the New South Wales–Tokyo Sister State Agreement. The first MoU marked a renewed […]
Australian Energy Producers (AEP) has called on the Federal Government to fund new gas supply in the Federal Budget, in order to avoid projected gas shortfalls on Australia’s east and west coasts, in its 2024-25 Federal Budget submission. The submission said that increased funding in gas exploration is needed to avoid forecast shortages, put downward pressure on prices and secure […]
Fed Gov unveils regional roads mobile program
Steph Barker News, Policy, Spotlight, Telecommunications 0The Federal Government has unveiled its new $50 million Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program (RRAMP), designed to improve mobile coverage on roads and highways in regional and remote Australia. Drawing funding from the government’s Better Connectivity Plan, the RRAMP will fund pilot programs with states and territories to trial new and innovative solutions to boost mobile coverage along roads and […]
The Federal Government has announced that more than 260PJ of gas will be made available between 2023 and 2033 through two new enforceable supply commitments under the Gas Code of Conduct exemptions framework. The commitments, made by Esso and Woodside, are expected to be sufficient to power east-coast gas-fired power stations for around two and a half years. The government […]
By Kirstin Crothers Gas supply shortages are predicted to impact Australia’s utility sector, with the risk of blackouts during the peak summer and winter months a serious concern for independent authorities like the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). In the lead-up to the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook (ADGO) Conference 2024, key speakers […]
QLD Gov reveals new emissions reduction target
Steph Barker News, Policy, Renewable Energy, Spotlight, Sustainability 0Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, has unveiled the government’s plan to legislate a new emissions reduction target of 75 per cent by 2035. Premier Miles said 75 per cent by 2035 is an achievable target that will support industry growth, attract greater investment in renewables and generate lasting benefits, especially in regional areas, and will also provide Queenslanders with greater access […]
Coliban Water to appeal EPA operating licence conditions
Kody Cook Company news, News, Policy, Projects, Spotlight, Water 0Coliban Water has submitted an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) after EPA Victoria approved an amended version of its licence for the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). The amended licence was approved on 5 December 2023 and sets a ratio of less than one part effluent for every three parts of the receiving surface water flow […]
VIC Gov announces new emissions reductions and renewables targets
Steph Barker News, Policy, Renewable Energy, Spotlight, Sustainability 0The Victorian Government is legislating its emissions reductions and renewable energy targets, making official the new Victorian renewable energy target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035. The new legislation is designed to drive down power bills, encourage investment into Victoria’s renewable energy industry and create tens of thousands of jobs. Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio, […]
The Federal Government has reached an agreement with the Australian Greens to strengthen the Restoring Our Rivers Bill. The agreement includes an independent audit of water allocated to the environment throughout the Murray-Darling basin, $100 million allocated to help First Nations people to participate in the water market and allowing the Commonwealth Government power to cancel state-run water-saving infrastructure projects. […]
New SA hydrogen and renewable energy bill passes parliament
Yasmin Isaacs News, Policy, Projects, Renewable Energy, Spotlight 0The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023, which aims to regulate and facilitate the generation of hydrogen and renewable energy in certain areas of the state, has passed both houses of the South Australian parliament. The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 is the nation’s first legislative framework designed to provide a coordinated approach to the burgeoning hydrogen and renewable […]
AGL has allegedly failed to provide 22 customers with a calculation of its ‘deemed best offer’ over a period between March and June 2022, and has had to pay a total of $799,656 in penalties. An energy retailer’s ‘deemed best offer’ is typically their cheapest generally available offer. It does not include one-off gifts or sign-up credits and is based […]
Clean Energy Council releases renewable energy strategy recommendations
Steph Barker News, Policy, Renewable Energy, Spotlight, Sustainability 0The Clean Energy Council has released a strategic package of 45 recommendations to the Federal Government, titled Power Playbook – Accelerating Australia’s Clean Energy Transformation. Power Playbook is designed to ensure that Australia gets back on track for 82 per cent renewables by 2030 and achieves its ambition of becoming a renewable energy superpower. The submission is a fully integrated […]
Energy provider issues apology after ACCC commences legal proceedings
Steph Barker Company news, Electricity, News, Policy, Spotlight 0One of Australia’s largest energy retailers has renewed its commitment to improving customer communications, specifically relating to retail and small business customers, following an announcement that the ACCC has commenced legal proceedings against the company. EnergyAustralia was named by the ACCC in legal proceedings commenced in the Federal Court regarding compliance with the Competition and Consumer (Industry Code – Electricity […]
World’s renewable energy capacity to be tripled, says G20 Summit
Steph Barker Events, News, Policy, Renewable Energy, Spotlight 0World leaders including Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, attended the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi to discuss joint responses to the most pressing global economic challenges – including major commitments to the world’s renewable energy transition. G20 leaders discussed global measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, including free, fair and rules-based trade, enhancing supply chain resilience and shoring up food […]
National Energy Market opportunities report released
Steph Barker Electricity, News, Policy, Sustainability 0The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released its 2023 Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) report. The report looks into the urgent development needs of the National Electricity Market over the next decade. The ESOO is produced using insights from developer and market participant surveys, transmission information, and extended analysis of energy limitations, like the potential impact of drought conditions, […]
New offshore carbon capture and storage areas released
Kody Cook News, Policy, Spotlight, Sustainability 0The Federal Government has announced new areas that will be explored for offshore greenhouse gas storage, in an effort to lower emissions and further Australia’s net zero targets. The 2023 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release includes ten areas across seven basins to explore for carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites in Commonwealth waters off Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, […]
Council to adopt long-term sustainable water strategy
Steph Barker News, Policy, Spotlight, Sustainability, Water, Water and Wastewater Treatment 0Councillors from the MidCoast Council have voted unanimously in favour of adopting Our Water Our Future 2050, a long-term water strategy outlining how Council will provide sustainable and affordable water and sewage services to the community over the next 30 years. The Council said it is setting sights on building new off-stream storage dams and recycling larger volumes of wastewater […]
Woodside Energy and major unions reach agreement
Kody Cook Company news, News, People and appointments, Policy, Spotlight 0Woodside Energy, Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Electrical Trades Union have reached in-principle agreement regarding its employees on its North West Shelf offshore platforms. In-principle agreement was reached on all claims relating to remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment. The next steps will be for the enterprise agreement to be finalised and then voted on by employees […]
Sydney votes to ban gas in new buildings
Kody Cook Electricity, Gas, News, Policy, Safety and Training, Spotlight, Sustainability 0The City of Sydney council has passed a motion that looks to introduce a new policy that will require new homes and businesses in the area to be gas free. The motion, moved by Councillor (Waskam) Emelda Davis, and seconded by Deputy Lord Mayor, Sylvie Ellsmore, will insert new clauses into the council’s planning rules to require new homes and […]
Penalties for VIC energy distributors increase up to $10M
Kody Cook Company news, Electricity, Gas, News, Policy, Spotlight 0The Victorian Government is implementing an increase to penalties for gas and electricity distributors, with companies that commit serious breaches facing penalties of up to $10 million. The new penalty amounts will apply to Victorian gas and electricity distribution businesses for breaches of the Electricity Distribution and Gas Distribution System Codes of Practice that result in severe consumer harm or […]
The Western Australian Government has updated the WA Domestic Gas Policy for Perth and Canning Basin, and exemptions will not be considered in an effort to secure the state’s gas supply and support long-term economic and industrial development. The update follows the August 2020 update to the WA Domestic Gas Policy, which prevents the export of onshore gas through the […]
UNESCO: Great Barrier Reef still under threat
Kody Cook Disaster Management, News, Policy, Spotlight, Sustainability 0UNESCO has urged the Federal Government to take greater action to reduce emissions in its latest report, warning that the Great Barrier Reef is still under “serious threat” of climate change and further degradation. As global temperatures continue to rise, the Great Barrier Reef is once again under threat from marine heatwaves and the mass bleaching events that follow. The […]
The Victorian Government has announced that gas connections will be phased out from all new builds from 2024, transitioning houses to all-electric. From 1 January 2024, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions will only connect to all-electric networks, with houses taking advantage of more efficient, cheaper and cleaner electric appliances. These changes will apply to all new homes […]
State conducts first climate adaptation strategy
Yasmin Isaacs News, Policy, Projects, Renewable Energy 0Western Australia has released its Climate Adaptation Strategy, which prioritises 37 actions to ensure its communities are well equipped and resilient to climate change risks. Not a stranger to extreme weather events and natural disasters, the State Government has allocated almost $40 million in the 2023–2024 State Budget to deliver the strategy which will prepare them for the future. The […]
Melbourne utilities joining forces to secure water for life
Patricia Mae Tagabe Policy, Water, Water and Wastewater Treatment 0In the face of climate change and projected population growth, Melbourne’s water corporations have banded together to form Water for Life, a shared water plan that aims to balance the city’s water needs and secure supply for the next five decades. Developed by Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water, this strategy aims to balance […]
Balancing act: future-proofing Australia’s electricity network
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