Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals

The Australian Energy Regulator has issued the 2010 electricity performance report for the Victorian distribution network service providers (DNSPs).

The report presents the 2010 financial and service quality performance of Victoria's five electricity DNSPs:

CitiPower
Jemena Electricity Networks
Powercor
SP AusNet
United Energy Distribution.

ABS publishes environmental capital statistics

Australia’s natural capital or environment assets are worth $4,574 billion and accounted for more than half of Australia’s total economic wealth in 2009-10 found the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The value of our natural capital in current price terms, trebled between 2000-01 and 2009-10, driven by rises in mineral commodities and land values.

First appointments to ARENA board announced

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson has announced the appointment of Mr Greg Bourne as acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board.

Federal funding for energy reform

The Federal Government will provide $5.0 million over four years to progress further work on the reform of Australia's energy markets, including:

High Court slams Energy Watch

The Federal Court has ruled that Energy Watch breached consumer law over 80 times, misleading consumers in relation to its energy price comparison service and the savings that could be achieved through the service.

New CEO for Eureka Energy

Eureka Energy has appointed former BP executive, Robert Willes, as the company's new CEO.

Offshore petroleum exploration permits awarded

Twelve new offshore petroleum exploration permits have been awarded in waters off Western Australia and Victoria, and will see $303 million in new investment over the next three years.

ACT energy efficiency bill passes Legislative Assembly

Legislation that requires electricity retailers in the ACT to provide energy efficiency services to households who want to reduce their carbon emissions and reduce their electricity bills has been passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly, with the support of the ACT Greens.

Low Carbon Australia urges businesses to become energy efficient

Low Carbon Australia’s CEO Meg McDonald addressed the Property Funds Association Conference at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast about the opportunities that existed for transforming existing buildings into greener, more highly desirable commercial space.

Queensland calls for input on GasFields Commission

The Queensland Government has called for community input on the role and membership of the new GasFields Commission.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government was establishing the GasFields Commission to better manage the coexistence between landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.

“Industry and community groups and members of the public have a real opportunity to provide input into who should be represented on the Commission and what powers it should consider,” Mr Seeney said.

Mr Seeney appointed Mr John Cotter as Chairman last month and submissions from the public can be made directly to the Chairman.

He said the Commission would be based in Toowoomba with a statewide focus.

“The Commission will be formed as a statutory body under legislation to make sure we get the right balance in place between landholders, local governments and the industry itself,” Mr Seeney said.

“It will give local communities a more direct voice into government and ensure programs and services match the priorities in those areas affected by CSG operations.

“A number of skills-based commissioners will be appointed to advise and assist the Commission in carrying out its work with government, industry and communities affected.

Energy Watch found guilty of misleading advertising

The Federal Court has found that Energy Watch Pty Ltd misled consumers in relation to its energy price comparison service and the savings that could be achieved using the service following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Origin Energy sells gas to rival

Origin Energy has signed an agreement with the Santos-led Gladstone LNG (GLNG) project with 365 petajoules of gas across 10 years from 2015: about 7 per cent of its gas requirements.

NSW Senate publishes inquiry into CSG

The New South Wales Senate’s General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5 has published a report into the environmental, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) mining in NSW, delivering 35 recommendations for Government action.

Victoria announces energy security spend

The Victorian Government has announced $33.7 million spend over four years for a package of energy security measures in the State’s Budget.

Funding announced for WA wave plant

The Federal Government has announced $10 million in funding for Western Australia’s Carnegie Wave Energy’s Perth Wave Energy Project on Garden Island near Fremantle.

Pluto LNG Project produces its first Liquefied Natural Gas

Woodside’s $14.9 billion Pluto Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project has produced its first LNG.

Work begins on Marine Supply Base

Construction of the $110 million offshore gas Marine Supply Base has begun in the Northern Territory.

CEM meeting held

The third annual Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting has convened in London, bringing together energy ministers and business leaders from around the world with an aim of driving greater corporation between governments and the private sector on clean energy development.