Optimising field service for improved profitability and efficiency
30 January, 2014 by Jared Haube, Field Service Management SummitAgainst the backdrop of a rapidly progressive technology market, increasing consumer demands and economic fluctuations, companies are recognising the need to develop strategic measures in field service mobility. Optimising field service processes can help businesses cut costs, achieve operational efficiency, and improve productivity and customer satisfaction.
Electricity demand peaks as heatwave continues
15 January, 2014Electricity demand has reached its highest point since the heatwave preceding the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, the Energy Supply Association of Australia (esaa) has reported.
Solar market predictions for 2014
20 December, 2013 by Jonathan Cassell, IHSThe global solar industry is bouncing back after two years in the doldrums, according to a senior research director for solar at IHS.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities cuts shock industry
18 December, 2013Energy Efficiency Council members are shocked by the surprise funding cuts to the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program.
ETU condemns plans to privatise public infrastructure
29 November, 2013The Abbott government's plan to incentivise states to sell off public infrastructure to private interests has been condemned by the ETU. "This is all about selling out the future for a quick buck today," said ETU National Secretary Allen Hicks.
Dwindling solar demand could cost 3400 jobs
25 November, 2013Despite two million Australian homes having solar installed, the phase-out of government support programs has seen demand drop off, a new report from REC Agents Association (RAA) shows.
ARENA cuts an "own goal for direct action" on climate change
13 November, 2013Government plans to cut funding by 14.5% to ARENA - a total of $435 million - are an “own goal for direct action” on climate change, according to Australian Solar Council Chief Executive John Grimes.
Electrical contractors worse off
05 November, 2013 by James Tinslay, CEOThe 2013 NECA Market Monitor released in September clearly shows that although industry charge-out rates have gone up by 7% since the 2011 survey - the cost of doing business has risen by around 25% over the past year alone. So the average electrical contractor is considerably worse off today than they were two years ago.
Multicrystalline silicon modules to dominate PV manufacturing
05 November, 2013The production of multicrystalline-silicon (c-Si) solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is set to dominate PV manufacturing during 2014, with p-type multi c-Si technology accounting for 62% of all modules produced, according to the latest NPD Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report.
Slowdown in energy efficiency despite growing government involvement
18 October, 2013Energy-efficiency improvements have slowed down, reveals the World Energy Council's latest study. The report shows that more and more countries are now involved in energy-efficiency policies, but also highlights numerous factors that have affected energy-efficiency progress across 85 countries, representing more than 90% of global consumption.
Managing the risks of doing business online
14 October, 2013 by Chris King*Online business opportunities provide many obvious benefits, including: access to new markets; extending business beyond traditional trading hours; receiving payments more immediately; reducing inventories; and reducing the overheads associated with operating in physical premises.
Renewable energy future looks bleak if CEFC axed
27 September, 2013Concerns for the future of renewable energy projects are rising after the Coalition government announced plans to axe the CEFC. There are reportedly 170 projects in the pipeline for CEFC funding, of which 50 are well advanced.
Australian workplace the most volatile in terms of employee turnover
18 September, 2013Australia has the highest level of employee turnover of all the countries surveyed across Europe, Asia and the Americas, with 62% of employees reporting they have changed jobs in the last year, according to the survey.
Automation and control market to hit $427m in 2018
06 September, 2013The automation and control systems market in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand is predicted to reach US$427.9 million in 2018, new analysis from Frost & Sullivan shows.
NBN training kit for businesses delivering professional services
17 August, 2013Legal professionals, ICT consultants, architects, engineers and financial advisers will soon be able to access tailored advice on how to improve and build their businesses by using the National Broadband Network (NBN) and adapting to the digital economy.
