A report warns that unless a sensible approach to proposed new electrical infrastructure projects is taken, the US may face severe power outages as early as 2009. [ + ]

The Adelaide and Perth stores of retail giant Ikea become the first of its stores in the world to remove all incandescent light bulbs from their stocks, as part of their 'green' initiatives. The program included a focus on more energy-efficient lighting and a lamp recycling service for customers. [ + ]

To assist the electrical industry to promote the value of automation and smart wiring in homes and commercial buildings, Copper Development Centre Australia has launched an initiative that focuses on intelligently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. [ + ]

An IT-based building industry community has been established by the federal government to use data technologies to lead the way to more ecologically sound cities, with energy efficiency as one of its key objectives. [ + ]

Westwick-Farrow Events' Industrial Technology Regional Roadshow recently toured north Queensland, bringing local professionals up to date on the latest developments in technical applications, regulations and products. [ + ]

ECA Queensland's CEO Malcolm Richards has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Management for his contribution to advancing the electrical industry. [ + ]

Green energy rating system for warehouses and factories. [ + ]

ABB recently won $60 million of orders from Rio Tinto for power projects to help the mining group increase capacity at its iron-ore mines in the Pilbara region of north-west Western Australia. [ + ]

The Power Electronics team at Swansea University's School of Engineering in Wales has developed a highly advanced smart electricity meter that can monitor the energy usage of individual appliances, as well as measure the power generated by micro-renewable technologies. [ + ]

Hitachi Telecom and Carina Technology have partnered to offer increased solutions to utility companies that provide FTTP services using gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology. [ + ]

The NECA NSW 2008 Excellence and Apprentice Awards were held on 26 September, rewarding professionalism within the industry for both its members and apprentices. [ + ]

Dalsa has released two models of its Genie GigE vision-compliant camera family. The Genie C1410 and Genie M1410 cameras feature a 1.7 cm sensor and are suitable for industrial imaging applications in a wide range of applications. [ + ]

The OLED lighting market will reach almost US$4.5 billion by 2013 and grow to $5.9 billion by 2015, according to the report 'OLED Lighting Markets 2008' by US analyst firm NanoMarkets. [ + ]

The Universal Powerline Association (UPA) has issued two market requirement documents for Powerline communication-based Smart Grid and C&C (command and control) applications to improve interoperability and meet regulatory requirements. [ + ]

A linesman died recently, four days after receiving an electric shock at Croydon in Melbourne’s outer east. [ + ]