Powertec, Australian distributor of the Nextivity Cel-Fi 'smart repeater', has warned consumers about purchasing signal boosters online, claiming that they are most likely not approved for use on local networks. [ + ]

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $445,000 funding for Reposit Power to trial an on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) energy storage and trading system. [ + ]

The Fair Work Ombudsman is urging employers and employees to check the pay rates and entitlements that apply over Christmas and the New Year.

The NBN Co will acquire elements of the Optus hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable network in a bid to hasten the rollout of the National Broadband Network, said NBN Co CEO Bill Morrow. [ + ]

New laws are making it easier for licensed tradespeople to work across state borders. The laws that came into effect on 1 December promise to cut red tape for small business. [ + ]

A major new study for the European Commission has found considerable potential safety benefits and low costs for the installation of electronic data recorders (EDRs) in cars, vans and trucks.

Master Builders Australia has spoken out about the recently released National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, highlighting that there are only one-third the apprentices in the pipeline to meet the current and future skill needs of the building and construction industry. [ + ]

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are now open for SPARC International Lighting Event 2015, to be held from 27-29 May at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island, in Sydney. [ + ]

The outlook for the jobs market in 2015 appears positive, with employer intentions to hire at the highest level since 2012, according to the Hudson Report Employment Trends, as released by global talent solutions company Hudson. [ + ]

The ACCC has issued proceedings in the Federal Court against five companies, six individuals and an industry association for alleged cartel and exclusionary conduct in the supply and acquisition of electrical cable throughout Australia. [ + ]

Australian solar technology company RayGen Resources has received the Grand Prize in the prestigious 2014 Global CleanTech Cluster Association (GCCA) Later Stage Awards. [ + ]

ABB has designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned a 1200-kilovolt (kV) circuit breaker - the highest AC voltage level in the world. [ + ]

Power management company Eaton has appointed Gordon Makryllos as managing director - Australia/New Zealand for the company's electrical business. Based in Sydney, Makryllos will be responsible for leading the business through its next phase of growth and propelling its sales and marketing presence. [ + ]

Commercial buildings with a high NABERS rating deliver 10.5% more investment returns compared to buildings with a low NABERS rating, according to The Property Council. With benefits like that, it is important to keep abreast of changes in the fast-moving retrofitting industry. Here are some trends we can expect to see in 2015.

Safe Work Australia is making its Virtual Seminar Series (VSS) presentations available for general viewing. [ + ]