Michigan-based utility, Consumers Energy is developing a high-tech meter system as part of its five-year plan to invest US$6 billion in energy reliability and customer service.

According to ICT market analysts Ovum, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has announced a new ‘solution’ aimed at helping mobile network operators reduce their energy use and carbon footprints. This forms part of a move by the vendor to position itself as a ‘green’ supplier.

NICTA, Australia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Research Centre of Excellence, has appointed Rob Fitzpatrick as director of commercialisation to build and drive NICTA’s use-inspired research towards a range of commercial outcomes that benefit Australia.

American safety testing organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has acquired electrical product tester Parkside Laboratories in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) announced the winners of the inaugural Trade Teacher Awards for 2007 in the Electrical and Communications categories, at the NECA Awards of Excellence event held last week.

RMIT University in Melbourne has recently reorganised its Electrotechnology Trade Division with new management, dedicated teaching staff and an administrative support team.

A committee has been established to investigate models for a renewable energy feed-in tariff for the ACT.

ACT apprentices are happy with their choice of apprenticeship, according to a survey released by the Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr.

Noja Power Switchgear is a national finalist in the small to medium manufacturer category of the 2007 Australian Export Awards after winning its state-based award.

A dodgy electrical worker was fined over $128,000 recently, in a decision NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney said was a warning to all contractors about the requirement to hold a valid licence.

The national peak body representing employers of apprentices and trainees, Group Training Australia (GTA), recently released an election statement, calling on the federal government to increase its investment in the Joint Group Training Program (JGPT) to $100 million and be matched dollar for dollar by all state and territory governments.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is calling for expressions of interest from licensed electrical inspectors to act as contracted electrical audit inspectors.

According to Dutch researcher Jos Meeuwsen from Technical University Eindhoven, in the future people connected to the electricity grid will be able to upload and download packages of electricity to and from this network. At least, that is one of the transformations the electricity grid could undergo. Meeuwsen developed three scenarios for the Dutch electricity supply in the year 2050. The starting point is that in 2007, 50% of consumption will originate from sustainable sources.

Members of the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (AEEMA) have approved a motion to consolidate its operations with one of the nation’s largest and most influential industry associations, the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).

An engineer from Korea is seeking Australian and international distributors for his solar-powered mobile device rechargers, which he expects will change the way we use mobile devices.