NEG moves forward, but roadblocks remain
Mixed messages have emerged from today’s COAG Energy Ministers’ meeting today, after what was meant to have been a decisive meeting for the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) policy measure. Fundamental opposition from some Labor states remain, however an agreement to release the draft legislation was reached – after it passes the test of the coalition party room.
AGL Energy profit jumps thanks to soaring power prices
Amid the intense discussion surrounding the National Energy Guarantee’s promise to cut power bills by $550 a year, Australia’s biggest power producer has reported its full year profit almost trebled, and its underlying profit rose by nearly a third.
Labor shapes for higher NEG emissions reductions via the Senate
Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten has chosen a visit to UNSW’s solar research facility to push for “fair dinkum” negotiations between the Federal Government and the states over the NEG tomorrow. Labor may look to secure a higher NEG emissions reduction target in the Senate, after passing the lower house.
Victoria, ACT harden stance on NEG, clear battle lines form
As the debate heats up in the run up to Friday’s COAG meeting, the Victorian government has issued a last-minute call to redraft the proposed National Energy Guarantee (NEG), and the Australian Capital Territory has redefined its NEG approval conditions in regard to the emissions target. Meanwhile, Australia’s peak renewable energy bodies have taken opposing positions.
Majority of Australians want more renewables, poll shows
In the lead up to a COAG energy ministers’s critical meeting this week, a poll conducted by ReachTEL for Greenpeace Australia Pacific shows that over 70% of respondents want an ambitious renewable energy target to drive down electricity prices.
Labor calls for coalition party room support before NEG agreement
The Australian Labor Party is rallying around a position demanding that the coalition party room signs off on the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) before Labor-lead state governments give their go-ahead. Federal energy and environment minister Josh Frydenburg will take the policy to state energy ministers on Friday.
ACT power bills on rise, solar saves around 50%, report finds
With all eyes on the ACT cabinet, which remains unconvinced of the National Energy Guarantee as a complete policy solution beyond 2020, a new analysis of energy prices shows that ACT household power bills continue to rise. Solar owners, however, are largely insulated from bill shock.
WA energy minister shifts focus from solar subsidies to battery incentives
The Western Australia government has signaled scrapping or winding back subsidies for rooftop solar, while looking for ways to boost battery uptake.
CEC: 3.1 GW of solar in construction pipeline, policy uncertainty undermines long-term investment confidence
According to the latest statistics from the Clean Energy Council (CEC), there are 42 wind and solar projects totaling 6239 MW worth close to $10 billion currently in construction or due to start soon across Australia. The unprecedented large-scale renewables activity is, however, surrounded by growing uncertainty over future policy and regulatory change.
AEMC turns to new technologies
In its annual reports, the Australian Energy Market Commission has proposed a number of changes to tighten Australia’s power system and improve reliability and regulation, reflecting on opportunities and challenges created by a significant increase in the uptake of distributed energy resources. The new recommendations are likely to encourage network development towards P2P energy trading, VPPs and electric vehicle charging.
