Energy news and advice

Australian homes can expect electricity storage to become a common concept in a matter of just a few years. With the savings that can be made from combining battery storage facilities with rooftop solar panels, this technology could well become the ‘norm’ according to the head of California-based company Enphase Energy, reported the SMH.

Australia is set to become one of the first countries to receive Tesla’s solar powered storage unit later in 2015, the Guardian recently reported.

New research conducted by Roy Morgan, which asked participants if they would recommend their electricity provider to a friend or colleague, showed a large majority were either “not at all likely” (16%) or uncertain (24%).

As we farewell one of the coldest winters the south-eastern states have experienced in years, Australian households are beginning to receive their statements for the last quarter with around 50% opening a larger electricity bill than expected.

Environment Minister Steven Miles has justified the move by Queensland’s biggest electricity network in joining a battle that could lead to a rise in electricity prices. According to Mr Miles, the company only wants to speak for “Queensland energy users”, reported news.com.au. He added that the move was “relatively procedural”.

Households in South Australia could be up for a $776 cash reward by switching electricity providers, according to energy comparison site Mozo.com.au.

The household saving ratio saw another decline in the June 2015 quarter, in line with some of the weakest quarterly figures on economic growth in years.

After a record number of energy disconnections in Victoria in 2013-14, the Essential Services Commission has proposed a new framework for customers who face difficulty making their electricity bills.

Victorians will be offered door to door installation of energy saving light bulbs, stand-by power boards and other energy efficient devices for lighting, heating and hot water for another five years reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia may be one of the world’s largest suppliers of coal, however if Australia’s major cities follow in the footsteps of Canberra, we could see our greenhouse gas emissions drop considerably.