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Showing posts with the label electricity

Gas producers warn to prove they have domestic supply for next year, or face 'gas trigger' restrictions

The Minister of Resources has informed gas producers that the federal government intends to withdraw “gas triggers” to limit their exports, unless they can prove that the country is not facing a gas shortage by 2023. Key points: The federal government has warned it will withdraw the “gas trigger” if supplies for next year are not guaranteed Gas industry says Australia is not facing a gas shortage, contrary to warnings Government will work to reform gas triggers and renew them by 2030 Madeleine King said she would issue a notification to suppliers, the first step towards enforcement of the Domestic Gas Supply Mechanism, directing them to provide a detailed response on supply and export forecasts for next year. Consumer watchdogs have warned that despite Australia’s abundant gas supplies, the outlook for next year is “very concerning”, with most of that supply slated for export. It warns the government to consider intervention or risk a gas shortage by 2023. The federal government has th

Rooftop solar panels cost Ricky Barone thousands, but never worked. Now he wants them released

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Ricky Barone installed a solar system on his roof in 2014 to make the most of North Queensland’s sunshine and save money on his electricity bill. Key points: Ricky Barone has been told the installation is a fire hazard but the retailer will not uninstall it A number of regulatory agencies receive complaints about diesel retailers, manufacturers and installers Some of the main issues raised were related to price, quality and high-pressure sales Since its installation, however, it has cost thousands of dollars and years without sleep. It was only this year that a so-called solar doctor inspected his roof panels did Mackay’s man realize the potential danger he was in. “He [the solar inspector] basically saying it was badly installed and there was a high chance it could catch fire,” Barone said. “I’m very disturbed and I haven’t slept well thinking about it.” Mr Barone said it was a two year wait to get the solar system installed by a local company, so he instead turned to a company based

Rex announces plans to upgrade planes to electric

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An Australian regional airline has announced plans to improve some of its planes with electric propulsion engines, describing it as the future of air travel. Key points: Rex Airlines has announced plans to trial electric propulsion technology on several existing regional aircraft It said retrofitting would help reduce carbon emissions and could lead to cheaper airfare Rex Airlines says it will be able to swap fuel engines for electric motors after trials in 2024 Rex Airlines has flagged Mount Gambier, in the South Australian region, as one of its initial routes to pilot electric aircraft in 2024, which promises to be quieter, less polluting and easier to maintain than existing jet engines. It will be the first airline in Australia to pilot electric commercial flights. Other smaller airlines say they will do the same by the end of the decade. Airline vice chairman John Sharp also hopes it will eventually result in cheap airline tickets for state passengers. Mr Sharp said Rex had invest

Feeling squeezed from gas prices? Why not make your own?

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The world throws away about a third of all food produced each year. In Australia, that equates to more than 7 million tonnes of edible food, and is estimated to cost the economy more than $36 billion a year, according to a report commissioned by the federal government. At the same time, many of us cook with gas, which is increasingly expensive and contributes to greenhouse gas pollution. But there is a growing movement of people and businesses looking to kill two birds with one stone. Load Making biogas at home from leftover food, which can then be used for cooking, is getting simpler. Several companies now offer large-scale systems for restaurants and even refugee camps, as well as basic home arrangements. About six years ago, Annett and Paul left city life in Sydney and moved to northern New South Wales, where they built a small off-grid house. As part of the arrangement, they installed a biogas food digester which they use to feed leftovers and toilet waste. From that organic mater

Want to get off gas but not sure where to start? Here are some tips

Jenny Edwards doesn’t mince words on the topic of using gas in the home. “Let it go, that’s my view,” he told ABC RN’s Life Matters. For a decade Ms Edwards, director of sustainability and regulatory affairs at the Australian Property Council, has been helping Canberra households – most of which have gas heating, hot water and cooking – to do just that. “There really is a myth – we all sell the idea of ​​gas and so it takes up a lot of time in Canberra and Victoria in particular,” he said. But he argues that households can switch from gas to electricity “and be just as comfortable – even more comfortable – and have more money in your pocket”. Ms Edwards offers advice for homeowners and renters to reduce their gas use and, as energy prices soar across the country, save money as well. ‘Has plans to switch’ Getting off the gas means removing smoke and fire from your home, says Ms Edwards. And gas also “contributes to the moisture content in your home … and of course there are impacts of c

What discounts and rebates are available to help reduce your energy bill?

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Rising costs of living mean more and more Australians are struggling to pay to keep the lights on and their homes warm. Each state and territory offers some level of financial assistance, however, most payments have certain eligibility criteria. Click the links below to see what’s available in your area and find out which schemes are eligible for you. Ways to cut living costs ACT Retirees and veterans who need help with their electricity, gas, water or sewer bills may qualify for: Utility Concession : $750 ACT residents who require heating or cooling due to a medical condition, use a dialysis machine at home or rely on life support equipment at home may be eligible to: Medical Heating and Cooling Rebates Hemodialysis Home ACT Life Support Rebates New South Wales People in financial crisis who live in a stand-alone house or unit and need help paying for them electricity or gas bills may be eligible for: Energy Account Payment Assistance Scheme : vouchers $50 Digital vouchers are for