Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor has travelled to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to support delivery of the government's cities and digital agenda. [ + ]

Two mission-critical support initiatives will help Australia build smarter, more sustainable cities, says the body representing the smart cities movement in Australia. [ + ]

The renewable energy industry has welcomed comments from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull restating the federal government's commitment to the national Renewable Energy Target (RET), following calls by some backbenchers to scrap the policy. [ + ]

The BICSI South Pacific Conference dates have been announced for 2017, with the event moving to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 26–27 September. The AFL fanatics among our readers will recognise that as Grand Final Week, so get ready to book tickets and kill two birds with one stone. [ + ]

The 5th annual Arc Flash Conference is being held in Melbourne from 8–9 March 2017. The event will focus on the latest developments and best practice for dealing with arc flash hazards and attendees will be given the opportunity to discuss issues directly with industry experts and to gain practical application knowledge. [ + ]

The Victorian Government is planning to build a new large-scale solar plant in a regional area of the state, with part of the electricity generated used to run Melbourne's tram network. [ + ]

ABB has teamed up with India's national electricity grid operator, Power Grid, in a mega project worth over $640 million for the delivery of a transmission link that will have the capacity to bring reliable electricity to more than 80 million people. [ + ]

Victorian energy provider Powershop has officially launched in South East Queensland. It will be retailing in the area around Gympie, south to Surfers Paradise and west to Gatton. [ + ]

Philips Lighting has appointed David Gardner as country manager and managing director for Philips Lighting, Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

nbn, the company entrusted with building and operating Australia's largest infrastructure project, says it's on target to reach the midway point by 30 June this year. [ + ]

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) remains hopeful of a brighter year for apprentices in 2017, following declines in the take-up and completion of apprenticeships in the June Quarter of 2016, said CEO Suresh Manickam. [ + ]

Dramatic increases to household electricity bills across Australia — particularly in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia — are behind a German battery group's entry into the fledgling Australian household energy storage market. [ + ]

Telstra is guaranteeing service on two of Asia's busiest undersea cable routes. [ + ]

Melbourne University is developing a connected transport project for the heart of the city's CBD, according to a report on the Australasian Fleet Management Association website. [ + ]

The Victorian Government has announced a review of the state's electricity network safety framework, to be headed by Dr Paul Grimes. [ + ]