Energy regulator wants more power to fine monopoly electricity networks

The energy watchdog wants more powers to fine poles and wires companies, saying they have used their monopoly positions to give their subsidiaries unfair competitive advantages in the market.

AER chair Paula Conboy. 

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) introduced ‘ring-fencing’ guidelines to ensure regulated energy distributors don't share market-sensitive information or preference their own private energy services companies for development projects over independent competitors.

Read the story from The Age by Cole Latimer - “Energy regulator wants more power to fine monopoly electricity networks.”

GE hopes giant grid batteries can save the planet (and its fortunes)

The engineering firm hopes a storage system can smooth electricity supply on a grid powered by renewables—and let it capitalize on a fast-growing market.

GE's "Reservoir" battery system.

GE announced a new system called Reservoir—a large battery attached to the grid to store spare electricity from renewables. When the sun doesn’t shine and wind doesn’t blow, it dumps electrons into the grid to meet demand. It uses discharging smarts to extend its working life, and it’s modular, so it can be adapted to fit small or large gigs.

Read the MIT Technology Review story - “GE hopes giant grid batteries can save the planet (and its fortunes).”