The Reliability Panel has completed a review of the current reliability standard for the national electricity system and has released a draft determination for stakeholder feedback. The review found that the standard is well equipped to ensure the grid will remain stable through the energy transition. The Reliability Panel forms part of the Australian Energy Market Commission but independently monitors, […]
A conserve water message has been issued for Whitemark on Flinders Island, and Orford and Triabunna have entered stage two restrictions after water supplies came under strain due to an extended low-rainfall period. Stage 2 restrictions will be introduced at Orford and Triabunna in the state’s south-east from Monday, 29 April to help maintain water supply. TasWater Head of Communications […]
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) aims to provide more reliable, renewable energy for households and businesses across the state. Consultation on the design features of the CIS, to suit the unique Western Australia energy grid, is now open and runs until April 29 2024. The first Western Australia tender will target 500MW of reliable renewables by storing power that is […]
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the Federal Government’s intention to launch the Future Made in Australia Act, which would seek to enhance development of clean energy projects, boost education and training, build a stronger local manufacturing sector, and drive more international investment in Australian industries. Mr Albanese made the announcement in a speech given on 11 April in Queensland, […]
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Coliban Water have reached an agreement regarding the new Operating Licence for the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant, with the amendments to the licence including environmental performance standards that will protect the environment and human health. In 2019 Coliban acknowledged the historical non-compliance issues at the plant, and began a $20 million investment program. Over […]
TasWater has announced it will run a series of community engagement consultations ahead of developing its next Price and Service Plan. TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement, Callan Paske, said all Tasmanians were invited to join in the conversation about shaping the state’s water future and finding the right balance between price and service that will help the state thrive. […]
The Northern Territory Government has released the Mataranka Water Allocation Plan 2024–34, designed to protect iconic springs and support the Territory’s agriculture sector. The government said that sustainable management of the Territory’s water resources will help grow the Territory economy. The plan is now open for public consultation and includes proposed management arrangements designed to ensure groundwater, iconic springs and […]
The Federal Government has introduced new rules for telecommunications companies designed to better support customers struggling to pay their phone and internet bills. The new Financial Hardship Standard – developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) – means telcos must take all reasonable steps to proactively identify customers who may be experiencing financial hardship, ensure they provide appropriate […]
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has welcomed $1 billion in funding to establish the Solar Sunshot program. The Federal Government announced the establishment of the program, designed to help unlock domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing across the entire supply chain and grow solar PV manufacturing in Australia, which outlines a pathway to the commercialisation of local solar PV innovation. […]
The New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has released proposed changes to water laws designed to give property owners and farmers improved access to water for firefighting, and is calling for feedback on the proposed changes. The Water for Bushfire Preparedness and Firefighting Proposed Approach Paper outlines changes that are designed to make it […]
The ACCC has announced that there will be changes to the regulation of wholesale telecommunications following the release of its final inquiry report. The inquiry examined whether or not nine wholesale telecommunications services should continue to be regulated. Access to telecommunications services in Australia is usually unregulated, unless the services are declared. In deciding whether to declare a service, the […]
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 […]
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 […]
The 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 […]
The 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 […]
The 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 […]
Queensland 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 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 […]
The 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. […]
The 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 […]
The 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 […]
One 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 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 […]
The 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, […]
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