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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New Renewable Energy Zone a win for NSW households
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) energy and water consumers’ advocacy program welcomes the announcement by the NSW government of a new Renewable Energy Zone in the New England region. As advocates for affordable and sustainable energy for NSW households, PIAC supports the NSW government increasing the amount of renewable energy in the system and…
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Major consumer-led energy reform finalised
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the Australia Institute, and Total Environment Centre today welcomed a ‘demand response’ reform of Australia’s electricity market that will improve reliability and reduce prices for consumers. The groups also welcome the AEMC’s decision to maintain the early, 2021 implementation date for the rule which they had advocated for. The three…
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NSW solar battery loan scheme a win for households
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre welcomes the New South Wales government’s announcement of a pilot solar battery loan scheme for households in the Hunter region. Under the scheme eligible Hunter home owners will be able to access interest-free loans for battery and solar-battery systems. ‘Most people want lower power bills and sustainable energy sources, and…
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The climate challenge – how good are we?
By PIAC CEO, Jonathon Hunyor ‘How good is Australia?’ was, of course, meant as a rhetorical question. But, with the climate crisis now all-too-real, we may be about to find out. Because make no mistake – in this ‘new normal’, we are going to be tested. Our values and our institutions will come under extreme…
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Wholesale demand response delayed, better outcomes for consumers necessary
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Total Environment Centre and The Australia Institute welcome the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (the Commission) announcement that it will introduce wholesale demand response earlier than planned, but say more work is urgently needed to get the best outcome for households. The Commission has today announced it will postpone a final…
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Call to fast-track ‘demand response’ to stabilise energy supply
‘Big energy users have called for new “demand response” rules to be fast-tracked and extended by allowing electricity to be sold into the wholesale market from both businesses and households as the threat of summer blackouts looms on the east coast…’
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New demand response rule to erode market power of generator cartel
‘Australia is about to take another significant step towards breaking the market power of the country’s electricity generation cartel – and prepare for a renewables-dominated grid – with the main rule maker finally allowing demand response to enter the wholesale electricity market.’