Power outages increase in frequency and severity across Australia and NZ
19 March, 2014Power outages are becoming more frequent across Australia and New Zealand, increasing from 94 reported outages in 2012 to 162 in 2013. These are among the findings contained in the Australian and New Zealand Blackout Tracer Annual report for 2013.
Tips to reduce tax liabilities
12 March, 2014Mid-tier accounting firm RSM Bird is advising business owners to review their tax liabilities before 30 June to maximise tax opportunities.
Philips achieves 2013 sales targets, remains cautious about future
30 January, 2014Philips has reported a successful Q4 2013, with a comparable sales growth of 7% and operational results up by 20%. The company says it achieved its 2013 sales targets set in 2011.
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.
South Africa tops Emerging PV Markets Attractiveness Index
30 January, 2014Scoring 66 out of 100 in the IHS Emerging PV Markets Attractiveness Index for Q4 2013, South Africa came in a full 17 points ahead of second-ranked Thailand.
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.
