The AS/NZS 3598:2000 Energy Audits Standard is open for public comment. Energy audits and surveys are investigations of energy use for a defined audit object, such as a manufacturing site. [ + ]

Engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a device that regulates or limits the amount of excess current that moves through the power grid when a surge occurs. [ + ]

The Prysmian Group, a supplier of energy and telecom cable systems, has been awarded a new contract worth approximately €85 million by REE (Red Eléctrica de España, S.A.U.). The project involves the design, supply and installation of a turnkey high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable system. [ + ]

Solar photovoltaic (PV) industry module revenues are forecast to decline 20% in 2013 to $20.5 billion from $25.5 billion in 2012. [ + ]

ABB, the global power and automation technology group, and Power-One, a provider of renewable energy and of energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, have agreed to a transaction in which ABB will acquire Power-One for $6.35 per share in cash or $1028 million equity value. [ + ]

Stephen King, MEA Queensland state manager, called on the government to endorse energy efficiency and assessment qualification as a prerequisite for performing in-home energy audits in the state. [ + ]

Stanford researchers have developed a new form of cooling structure which works even when the sun is shining. The structure could reduce our reliance on air conditioners in homes and cars, the researchers say. [ + ]

The death of a Cairns worker who was electrocuted while installing cabling has prompted a warning from the Queensland Electrical Safety Office about working in confined ceiling spaces. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration Airconditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Industry Summit 2013 held recently in Melbourne brought together more than 30 key stakeholders to discuss the way forward to a low-emissions HVAC/R industry. [ + ]

The Queensland Government is seeking business and community views on proposed changes to electrical safety laws that it says would reduce costs to business. [ + ]

Standards Australia has announced the publication of a new Australian Standard for electricity network safety management systems. [ + ]

The Australian Smart Lighting Summit will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 and 6 August 2013. [ + ]

Thiess, part of the Leighton Holdings group, has been awarded a new contract by Western Power to work with the energy provider to upgrade and maintain its electrical distribution network throughout metropolitan Perth, as well as the south-west and mid north-west regions of Western Australia. [ + ]

The Queensland Electrical Safety Office has issued a safety alert to highlight the risks associated with direct current (DC) isolators used in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. When terminating electrical conductors into isolators and circuit breakers, it is paramount that connections are secure under the terminal clamp especially where DC is involved. [ + ]

The Australian Solar Council, together with international partner Australian PV Solar Energy Exhibition (AUPVSEE), will present the annual Solar Conference & Exhibition at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 23 to 24 May 2013. [ + ]