NECA is encouraging today's youth to develop an interest in pursuing a career in electrotechnology at high schools through its Electrotechnology Secondary School Student Awards. Students from across the country were recognised for their innovations and achievements in the recent 2008 Awards.

Australia's best electrical apprentices were recognised recently in the NECA Apprentice of the Year Awards, in 'Commercial/Domestic', 'Industrial Automation & Communications' and 'Industrial' categories.

A $3.5 million initiative by the Queensland govenment to give away 1 million CFLs aims to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions by 72,000 tonnes each year.

A new distribution agreement between Rockwell Automation and Inaco Automation Controls and NHP Electrical Engineering Products will provide broader access to Allen-Bradley automation products across Australia and New Zealand along with increased local technical and application support.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Green energy rating system for warehouses and factories.

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.