There are smart grid pilot projects worth $200 million either in operation or about to start in Australia with most focusing on the potential for smart meters and demand management.

VSS Monitoring has announced it has secured its first institutional round of financing from Battery Ventures, a multistage investment firm focused on technology and innovation worldwide. VSS Monitoring is a technology leader in intelligent distributed traffic capture, the industry’s only system-based architecture for network and security monitoring.

Electrical retailers have been forced to scale back their reliance on manufacturer brands and invest heavily in private label and own brand ranges in response to non-specialists eating away at both their market share and margins according to Verdict.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) joined the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in its call for continued government strength in the regulation of the building industry.

ABB won an order worth $20 million to provide the complete electrical and automation system for six underground mine incline conveyors for Newcrest Mining’s Cadia East gold and copper project, located in south-eastern Australia.

Power and Data Corporation has appointed Gilbert Lodge Australia as the exclusive Australian/New Zealand master distributor of its Mainline Power range.

A safety alert has been issued to electrical contractors warning of the dangers of unsafe wiring for swing-stage installations.

Peak industry body NECA has welcomed Guy Houghton as the new General Manager for the NECA Queensland Chapter.

Peak electrical industry body NECA has appointed its new National President.

Spirent Communications has announced that Spirent Avalanche Virtual, the industry’s first solution for cloud computing testing, was named the 2010 Best of Interop winner in the performance optimisation category.

Siemens is searching for new technologies for use as insulators on electrical wiring that will make generators more efficient.

Osram has developed a new high-efficiency red LED that will find its way into residential and commercial lighting applications.

The ACT Government’s feed-in tariff scheme is claimed to have boosted the local economy through the global financial crisis, while decreasing the Territory’s reliance on coal-fired electricity.

Three talented electrical apprentices were recognised recently by NECA Western Australia for their skills and achievements.

Western Australia’s best electrical contractors were recognised recently at the 2010 NECA WA Excellence Awards in Perth.