A just transition
Media and commentary relating to our work to accelerate a fair transition to a net-zero carbon energy system.
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“We can electrify the smart way, or the slow and expensive way”
…To electrify the smart way Australia needs an electrification plan, argues Craig Memery, Senior energy advisor for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. “We need a plan, we need a strategy, we need a common goal held by governments, by industry, by consumers, by the market institution and others that says this is where we want…
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2SER: Greenwashing in Energy
Consumer protection body the ACCC has released a report comparing the green claims of nearly 250 businesses across sectors including cars, food and cosmetics. 57 per cent of 247 businesses were identified in the ACCC report were identified as making concerning claims. Energy providers were among the worst offenders, with 16 of 25 businesses identified as making…
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PIAC joins call to retrofit low-income housing to reduce energy bills
More than 90 Community and business organisations including ACOSS, GetUp, the Energy Efficiency Council, the Climate Council and PIAC have come together calling for an ambitious energy performance retrofit package for low-income housing in the budget. The groups have signed an open letter to Assistant Climate and Energy Minister Jenny McAllister, who is driving the…
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Overhaul of energy concessions needed as three million households struggle to pay their energy bills
A report released today by social service organisations found that while around three million households receive some form of ongoing financial assistance for their energy bills, the poor design and implementation of the assistance means too many people still can’t afford the energy they need. Too many people are depriving themselves of energy taking fewer…
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Improved efficiency standards for new houses in NSW
PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the Commonwealth, state and territory government agreement to improve residential energy efficiency standards in the National Construction Code. The changes, supported by a joint community and industry campaign, will lift minimum NatHERS energy efficiency ratings from 6 to 7 Stars and require homes to meet…
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Does Australia need Tasmania to become a multi-billion-dollar ‘Battery of the Nation’?
Public Interest Advocacy Centre senior energy advisor Craig Memery said the Tasmanian Battery of the Nation project was a sounder investment than Snowy 2.0, which he describes as being “planned on the back of an envelope”.
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2SER interview re Renewable Energy Zones
Craig Memery, who leads PIACs Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program discusses: The closure of the Eraring coal fired power station The State Gov’s enviromental policy REZ’s (Renewable Energy Zones)
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Roadmap secures NSW energy future
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre applauds the NSW government and Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean for announcing an ambitious plan to make the state a renewable energy superpower, while driving down electricity costs and making energy more resilient and reliable. PIAC welcomes the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which is expected to lower household bills…
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Climate and Energy Forum
We should build a low carbon economy, not just because it’s good for the environment but because it’s good for the state and the country. – The Hon. Matt Kean MP, NSW Minister for Energy and Environment Thank you to everyone who attended PIAC’s zoom forum on 14 October, and heard from a panel of…
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Minister’s certainty on gas a win for consumers and environment
Leading energy consumer advocate, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre has welcomed NSW Energy and Environment Minister, Matt Kean’s statements confirming gas has no long-term future in the state. The Minister on Tuesday said, ‘the business case for gas is on the clock’, gas ‘may be useful in the short term’, but wind, solar, pumped hydro…