Joachim Seel, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Andrew Mills, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory e Ryan Wiser, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Large-scale solar and wind tend to push energy prices down, which sounds great as a consumer. But that makes keeping the grid in constant balance harder.
Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher, speaking on Q&A.
ABC Q&A
On Q&A, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said South Australia’s high electricity prices were “the consequence” of Jay Weatherill’s renewable energy policies. Is that right?
Policymakers need to be smart about the smart meter rollout.
AAP Image/David Crosling
You may already have a smart meter at home, which monitors your electricity use at 30-minute intervals. But until you can access that data yourself, you could be missing out on the best power deals.
The storm clouds have been gathering over energy policy for a decade or more.
Joe Castro/AAP Image
The Long Read: Most Australians’ power bills have been rising for a decade. There are many reasons why, but the common thread is a lack of government willingness to get to grips with crucial policy problems.
At the end of 2017, Australia is starting to (slowly) address our energy problems. But it’s also clear the federal government has abdicated leadership and responsibility.
Infrastructure construction – including poles, wires and substations – has far outstripped peak demand.
AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
One way to cut your household bills could be to deal with just one company for all your utility needs. With today’s technology, it’s an idea that’s not so far fetched as it sounds.
Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg surrounded by members of the government’s Energy Security Board.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The big questions about Malcolm Turnbull’s energy policy will be, for consumers, what it would mean for their bills and, for business, how confident it can be that the approach would hold if Bill Shorten…
Under the scheme, power companies would have twin obligations imposed on them by the government.
Lukas Coch/AAP
The government is set to unveil its long-awaited energy plan that would scrap subsidies for renewables and impose obligations on power companies to source a certain proportion of ‘reliable’ supply.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims says affordability should be the dominant objective in energy policy.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Officially, Australia’s average electricity prices are the 11th highest in the OECD. But a look at the numbers suggests this is a significant underestimate.
Malcolm Turnbull has tried to focus on energy policy while the opposition has been preoccupied with the eligibility of Barnaby Joyce.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The energy market operator has released a report on the state of Australia’s electricity system. It couldn’t be blunter if it tried: the market has failed.
Yallourn Power Station in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria.
AAP Image/David Crosling
On Q&A, an audience member said renewable energy is ‘now cheaper than coal’. Senator Matt Canavan disagreed, saying renewables are not ‘at the moment, cheaper than coal’. Let’s look at the numbers.
Information about discounts will be simpler, but you’ll still have to do the legwork to shop around.
AAP Image/Julian Smith
The government’s deal with electricity retailers to provide simple information to customers about their discounts and bills is a welcome step, but doesn’t cut to the heart of the power price issue.
Malcolm Turnbull has summoned the chiefs of major power companies to a meeting on Wednesday to discuss how customers can be given more relief through better deals on electricity prices.
Hazelwood’s closure does not mean imminent blackouts for Victoria.
Takver/Flickr