Darren Miller

Since being elected, we’ve been working hard to make sure we can make a difference in terms of power prices in South Australia. In good news today, from an independent report by the Australian Energy Market Operator, South Australia recorded the biggest price drop for wholesale electricity in the nation. While this won’t immediately reflect on people’s bills today, we do expect to see the impact reflected in the retail prices paid by households and small businesses in the future We’re working hard behind the scenes. And while it doesn’t solve every problem right away, we’ll keep working on it.

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Today marks the welcome release of updated planning guidelines for renewable energy projects in New South Wales, with the release of the Renewable Energy Planning Framework.   The framework aims to strike the best balance between a timely energy transition and managing the impacts of projects.   New benefit sharing guidelines are a fundamental component of this framework, designed to ensure that local communities are empowered and supported through reaping the significant economic benefits of hosting renewable energy projects, including a projected $400 million shared over a 25 year period and the creation of local jobs.   The Clean Energy Council’s Dr Nicholas Aberle said the guidelines will play a crucial role in ensuring wind and solar farms in NSW are assessed in a timely manner while helping the state to maintain a reliable electricity supply.   “Clearer guidelines create a more predictable process for the companies seeking to build renewable energy projects as well as for the communities where these projects are proposed to be built, which is a win-win.   “This outcome reflects a significant volume of advocacy work by members and the Clean Energy Council, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to ensure NSW’s energy transition is on track.” #cleanenergy #renewableenergy

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Government deluged with bids to build renewables, batteries The federal government has been deluged with massive offers to build solar projects in the first round of its Capacity Investment Scheme with six new big battery projects getting the green light. Two big batteries will be built in South Australia and two in Victoria with the largest in the former coal power stronghold of the Latrobe Valley in Victoria a massive 1,400 MWh Wooreen battery capacity to be built by EnergyAustralia (pictured). The government asked for 600 megawatts worth of bids in SA and Victoria with Canberra receiving 19 gigawatts worth of bids. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen told a press conference in Morwell in Gippsland: “This is a small auction of 600 megawatts. “…These projects will be delivered by 2027, and that’s as it should be to ensure the new energy is created as coal fired power leaves, and just as importantly, the new jobs are created as well." #renewables #batteries @Bowenchris Chris Bowen MP https://lnkd.in/gbDEGAaV

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Thanks RenewEconomy for shining a brighter light on this issue. Has been a bit of discussion this week via WattClarity from Global-Roam. Hard “no” to this request as cash can be called on by any / all creditors in an insolvency event. That is the reason for the rule. Now, if government is looking for a solution, maybe they could issue the bond for Delta to AEMO in return for Delta posting sufficient cash to cover the clean up of Vales Point post 2029…. Caveat emptor.

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As we approach the two-year anniversary of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, I’m reminded of significant large-scale battery projects under construction, such as CS Energy’s Greenbank Battery project in Logan. This project will play a crucial role in stabilising renewable assets on our grid. Work is progressing rapidly on-site, and once the battery becomes operational in 2025, it will enhance grid reliability and drive further improvements and efficiencies across the network. This project will feature 108 Tesla Megapack 2XL units, all of which were recently delivered and will work to alleviate pressure on our grid by balancing power supply, smoothing out demand peaks, and facilitating load shifting. The benefits extend beyond enhancing grid stability and reliability. Large-scale batteries stimulate economic activity, reduce energy prices, and create jobs and employment pathways for locals—essential as we transition to a clean energy future and build out our SuperGrid. Equally important is fostering a diverse and dynamic battery sector that supports this transition. Our department is focused on realising the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy 2024–2029. This will outline how the government will work with businesses, industry, and research institutions to achieve a thriving battery industry. To learn more about the importance of battery storage technology in our renewable energy transition, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gq2gBYdy Department of Energy and Climate #renewableenergy #battery #batterystorage

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For anyone playing along at home, this is *not* what the ISP says. It says nothing about “Powerwalls”, it doesn’t say “90% of households”, it doesn’t say “$15,000”, it doesn’t say “Let the network use it”. There is no “$121 billion”. This is all confected. It makes a prediction of how much storage will be deployed at the distribution level, which includes household batteries, batteries installed by businesses, community batteries, and electric vehicles and large fleets with V2G enabled. It makes a prediction about how much of that storage will be coordinated, which means some level of control by an electricity retailer or some other aggregator/optimiser, in return a payment. This is something that is happening today, and is not at all radical. It makes this prediction in the same way it makes other predictions about load shapes and volumes at the distribution network level, as input assumptions, because it is a transmission level plan. Should it also be a detailed and integrated plan for distribution networks and distribution-level resources? Maybe. But the conspiracy-minded thinking behind posts like the one below are kind of dumb.

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Rewiring Aotearoa was disappointed to hear about the liquidation of SolarZero and the team has fielded a number of questions about what it means for the sector. We feel for the customers who have questions, and the employees and contractors who may not get paid. It might take a while for the full story of the liquidation to come out, but this situation doesn’t dent our confidence in solar technology, which is widely recognised as the lowest cost electricity in human history. One company doesn’t define a sector. Rooftop solar installations are growing at their fastest ever rate in New Zealand, over four million Australian households now have solar installed and solar is booming all around the world. SolarZero was an innovative New Zealand business and can be credited with helping to accelerate the growth of solar in this market, but we have always recommended owning your own rooftop solar rather than renting because customers get all the cost-saving benefits. Adding it to your mortgage is still around half the price of grid electricity and much less if you can pay upfront. Its departure opens up further opportunities for finance providers to enable households to own their own rooftop solar and batteries and it also highlights the need to update the regulations and make sure customers (and innovative businesses) have the confidence to invest and are fairly rewarded for their contribution. Read the full statement here https://loom.ly/NVQeXAk

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The Essential Services Commission annual Victorian Energy Market Report, published last week, includes a focus on how energy retailers respond to payment difficulties. The report shows fewer customers being disconnected—a very good thing—but it also shows more people are experiencing financial stress: 🔎 Eight percent of electricity and gas customers missed a bill payment each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of 18,000 electricity and 16,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23. 🔎 Around five percent of electricity and gas customers owed their retailer at least $300 each month in 2023–24. This was an increase of around 20,000 electricity and 14,000 gas customers compared to 2022–23, with more than half not receiving payment difficulty assistance from their retailer. 🔎 While more customers are receiving assistance such as payment plans, almost half exit payment plans due to non-compliance, with great inconsistency across retailers. This data raises questions about the suitability and effectiveness of those payment plans offered by retailers. Energy retailers must provide assistance to residential customers to help them avoid getting into arrears and assist those who are in arrears. It is important that retailers communicate effectively with customers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills rather than placing too much reliance on disconnection warning notices. The latest data is all on our Energy Market Dashboard: https://lnkd.in/gBDutUxu Victorian Energy Market Report: https://lnkd.in/g3CNvKN3 News Update: https://lnkd.in/gGM8DTAc Also covered by today's The Australian newspaper: https://lnkd.in/gP5iBgfz

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https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

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https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

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The Australian Government has commenced a consultation process for a domestic low carbon liquid fuel industry as part of its plan for a Future Made in Australia. The Department is seeking feedback to ensure Australia has the appropriate policy settings to encourage growth of a low carbon liquid fuel industry. By responding, your views will help inform the design of supply-side measures, such as production incentives for low carbon liquid fuels, and demand-side measures to support the market in Australia. The consultation process is open until 18 July 2024. Outcomes of the consultation are expected to be considered by Government by the end of 2024. Further information, including the consultation paper, can be found here - https://lnkd.in/gXVhXGaR

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Australian households – and the rooftop solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles they choose to buy and install – are now being recognised as a major driving force of the country’s green energy transition by the Australian Energy Market Operator. Rooftop solar is expected to grow four-fold from more than 21 gigawatts now to 86 GW in 2050 and home batteries are expected to grow from just 1 GW now to an estimated 7 GW in 2029-30, and 34 GW in 2049-50. EV ownership is expected to surge from the late 2020s – driven by falling costs, greater model choice and availability, and more charging infrastructure and by 2050 – according to the step change scenario, 97 per cent of all vehicles on the roads are expected to be full battery electric vehicles. https://lnkd.in/gF9aRqkq

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Origin cancels two solar projects due to rising costs and “unfavourable conditions” The two solar projects affected are the 74 MW Carisbrook project in central Victoria and the 130 MW Morgans project in South Australia, which was slated to be built with an accompanying battery. The annual report cites 'increased costs' – despite the record low prices for PV modules – the rising costs of civil construction projects is one reason why many developers are now favouring much larger projects because of the economies of scale. Is this the beginning of the end for small-to-medium solar farms given the rising cost of civil construction and the economic constraints of repeatedly low and often negative daytime wholesale prices? #renewableenergy #energy #solar #solarpv #battery

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Grid-facing battery-backed rooftop solar to turn businesses in our cities, towns, villages and farms into useful power stations? Some say it is a "no-brainer". Here is an event - report launch - that examines such a "no-brainer" policy. Might interest you.

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This interesting and I have seen similar findings in UK and USA market too. The potential for growth in commercial buildings and warehouses for solar (and often storage) is massive. Not only does it make incredible business sense but we also need to do this at a rapid pace to achieve Paris decarbonisation targets. However this won’t happen without a) capital support (which we generally have available) and b) policy and procedural support especially amongst legislators and grid operators and c) upskilling in installers regarding both the sale and technical delivery processes required to deploy and install at scale. Interested to hear comments from other markets outside Australia and USA and UK where you see low levels of commercial solar penetration with massive growth forescasts for near to mid term. Smart Ease #commercialsolar #commercialstorage #decarbonisation #paymentplans #solarppa

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'Tis the season to be comparing... energy plans ⚡ Let's get into the why. Here's the latest for households in NSW, SA, South East QLD and VIC: - Energy regulators have revealed their default offer prices for 2024-2025. They're mostly going down unless you're in South East QLD (sorry folks, but at least you have a $1000 energy rebate coming in soon + $300 from the federal govt? 😶 ) - Default offers impact customers on standard retail plans. It's the maximum retailers can charge you if you're on this type of plan... - Which you ideally shouldn't be on. The key to saving money on your energy bills is to actively compare plans, switch and save. At least once a year. - It's likely that your current retailer has a cheaper plan than what you're currently on The new electricity price changes are not going to ease our woes given energy bills have skyrocketed the last couple of years, but it's at least not another price hike... And of course, you should contact your energy provider straightaway if you need hardship assistance. They're legally obligated to help you out. There's a lot I've uncovered in my news piece👇 to help with some questions you might have: What are default market offers? Electricity price changes in NSW, SA and QLD Households in Victoria to save $100 on electricity bills How will energy retailers react? Should I be switching energy plans right now? Notice period from energy retailers Give me a shout if you have any other questions or if you think some parts are still confusing to understand. Energy in general is far too complex for a necessity but that's where I'm hoping I can help 💡 #finder #energy #electricityprices #costofliving #householdbills #energybills #australia #nsw #vic #qld #sa

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