Low-emissions technology and renewable energy are the way out of the current energy crisis, according to the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

Australian Energy Market Operator CEO Audrey Zibelman says Australia will be a world leader in the transition to a smarter and cheaper renewables based-grid, and trying to resist that change is like trying to stop the internet.

Australia’s network operators have joined forces with two leading consumer groups to argue they should be allowed to disconnect remote and regional communities from the main grid, and instead provide them with renewables based micro-grids and stand alone power systems.

The CEO of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has said it is clear that the technologies exist for transition to a renewables-based electricity grid. It is only old rules and regulations that are getting in the way and preventing it from happening.

Power has been restored to customers across the flood-affected areas in the northern rivers, however work continues on the ground with the inspection of customers’ switchboards to ensure electrical safety at all homes and businesses.

The sale of a 50 per cent stake in Australia’s biggest network operator, Ausgrid, to two Australian super fund managers has been hailed in just about all media quarters as a really good deal. But is it really?

Australian energy utility AGL Energy has spent $A28 million snapping up a minority stake in US-based battery storage solutions provider Sunverge as it seeks to accelerate its push into distributed generation and rooftop solar and storage and smart software.

For the first time in living memory, the Liberals and the Nationals in the NSW coalition are offering two opposing policies at a state election. The Libs want to lease 49 per cent of the electricity network, while the Nats oppose any sale or lease of the network in their rural strongholds.