Energy and water
Media and commentary related to our work to protect and advance consumer protections for essential services, and accelerate a just transition to net zero.
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A big win for all energy users, but door closed on households
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Total Environment Centre and The Australia Institute welcome the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (the Commission) plan to bring forward a high priority energy market reform, the wholesale demand response mechanism, to deal with pressing reliability issues. The three organisations that led the charge for the reform say urgent work will…
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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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Rains buy time to ditch new desalination and plan smarter
The recent rains across parts of New South Wales provide breathing space for better long-term resource planning to ensure water is secure and affordable into the future. PIAC calls on the state government to hit pause on the proposed expansion of the Sydney Desalination Plant while having a more considered conversation about better water use,…
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Industry group wants climate policy on agenda in wake of bushfires
From the Sydney Morning Herald: Energy companies will meet Energy Minister Angus Taylor on Thursday to discuss the bushfire response but one peak business lobby says they must also address climate change. Mr Taylor said the roundtable meeting would discuss how to help people who lost power supply, and how to target recovery efforts where…
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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…