Master Electricians Australia has welcomed the launch of the $25 million royal commission into the controversial pink batts program. [ + ]

CAPS Australia has appointed a new business development manager - power generation for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania: Steve Turton. [ + ]

AJ Baker & Sons has acquired South Australian refrigeration and catering equipment provider Hill Equipment & Refrigeration for an undisclosed sum. All of Hill Equipment's 73 Adelaide staff will be retained. [ + ]

Government plans to cut funding by 14.5% to ARENA - a total of $435 million - are an “own goal for direct action” on climate change, according to Australian Solar Council Chief Executive John Grimes. [ + ]

AIRAH's PreLoved Buildings Conference explores aspects of retrofitting Australia's existing building stock. The program of speakers covers everything from reviews to case studies, indoor environment quality (IEQ) to the preservation of history. [ + ]

SolarMax has expanded its board of management, announcing Andreas Mader as its new chief technical officer (CTO) and Thomas Staubli as its new chief operating officer (COO). These two positions have been newly created. [ + ]

The IEC has issued the revised CFL testing and performance requirements standard IEC 60969 Ed 2, 'Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - Performance requirements' as a Committee Draft for Vote. [ + ]

enLighten Australia has launched the Chamaeleon LED light contractor web portal to help electrical and fire contractors grow their revenues. [ + ]

Electrical safety authorities have warned that small portable generators imported into Australia may have unsuitable battery charging outlets. Electrical contractors are being urged to ensure their portable generators have the correct outlet and leads. [ + ]

NBN Co has hired Greg Adcock to take up the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) with immediate effect. Adcock will be a member of the executive committee and report to the CEO. [ + ]

Royal Philips has announced the appointment of Rob Fletcher as general manager of Philips Lighting ANZ, effective immediately. [ + ]

The race is on to determine which New Zealand town will win the fastest broadband speeds in the Southern Hemisphere in Chorus's Welcome to Gigatown competition. [ + ]

ASHRAE and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have joined forces to promote better indoor air quality in the built environment. [ + ]

Australia's vocation education and training (VET) system is having to compensate for stagnant literacy and numeracy standards in Year 12 students, E-Oz Energy Skills Australia has warned. [ + ]

SEA has welcomed two new board members: Rodney Littlejohn, managing director of Tersum Energy, and Antony Piccinini of FRV Services Australia. [ + ]