28 April 2021
New measures giving energy authorities powers to remotely switch off solar panels without householders’ knowledge has set a worrying precedent.
Now state energy ministers are considering adopting a similar rule that would allow behind-the-meter appliances such as hot water systems, air conditioners, electric vehicle chargers and pool pumps to also be switched off.=
South Australia’s rooftop solar cut-off measure was used for the first time on 14 March 2021 affecting around 12,500 households in Adelaide.
When this cut-off occurred, solar households were not compensated, and everyone affected had to purchase electricity from the grid.
As our new IEEFA briefing note describes, it is a radical departure from the operation of the National Electricity Market (NEM) which has until this point not interfered in the running of behind-the-meter solar.
Future of 500 Jobs Secured at Portland Aluminium Smelter
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Portland Smelter secures $160m energy deal to stay open and act like giant battery
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An employee at AGLâs Liddell power station has been seriously injured following an equipment breakdown that also triggered a warning of electricity shortages.
Unit 3 of the ailing coal-fired plant failed on Thursday afternoon, leaving output from the Hunter Valley power station at just a quarter of its 1680-megawatt capacity.
AGL Energyâs Liddell coal-fired power station (foreground), with the companyâs Bayswater plant in the distance.
Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a so-called Lack of Reserve level 2 (LOR2) alert soon after the incident, calling for other plants to make up the shortfall.
The
Alcoa s Portland aluminium smelter subsidy secures jobs, fails green energy test
SunSunday 13
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MonMonday 14
The Federal Government has committed to underwrite the Portland smelter until mid-2025.
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A Federal Government commitment of $76.8 million to underwrite Alcoa s giant Victorian aluminium smelter has been hailed as a lifeline for hundreds of workers, but as a lost opportunity to move towards renewable energies.
Key points:
The Commonwealth funding is expected to safeguard the smelter until 2025
The funding was announced in the mid-year budget update
The smelter at Portland, in the state s south-west, is one of Victoria s largest electricity users and there have been calls from the local community and the Australian Workers Union for both the state and federal governments to ensure its future.