The NSW Government has announced that it wishes to sell off the three electricity retailers it owns – Country Energy, EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy – to the highest bidder. Last week’s announcement is an attempt to “test the water” to ensure that in the current economic environment there are enough potential bidders for the assets. The Government said it intends to keep in place existing retail price controls until at least 2013 and to provide employees with their existing job guarantees. This is clearly aimed at sweetening the deal for consumers and unions but will no doubt significantly reduce the price any potential bidder would be willing to pay. A similar sell-off was attempted last year but failed due to union and political pressure and resulted in the departure of former Premier Morris Iemma and Treasurer Michael Costa.
Switchwise.com.au Blog
Archive for March, 2009
Smart meter consumers
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009IBM recently released its 2008 Global Utility Consumer Survey – you can read the report here: Lighting the way: Understanding the smart energy consumer.
The report states that in the short term it will be up to the individual to drive changes in energy consumption and management based upon their own personal initiative and income levels. However, in the medium- to long-term it is expected that the current generation of youngsters will start to drive more significant changes in energy consumption as they mature.
Despite this, over 90 per cent of people surveyed indicated that they would like a smart meter at home including tools for better managing their energy usage. The caveat, however, is that consumers are not necessarily willing to pay for such services even though they might save money. Those under 25 are the most willing to pay a premium for such services and were the most interested in services such as having a message sent to their mobile when the power goes out at home.
Victorians advised to prepare for blackouts
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor has warned that the forecast storms and hot weather could result in localised power outages due to either trees falling on powerlines or strong winds bringing down powerlines. He has advised us to be prepared – you can read more on the Premier of Victoria website.
If you suffer a power outage please contact your local distributor:
- Powercor – tel: 132 412 – outer western suburbs and western Victoria
- CitiPower – tel: 131 280 – Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs
- Jemena – tel: 131 626 – northern and inner western suburbs
- United Energy – tel: 132 099 – eastern/south eastern suburbs, Mornington Peninsula
- SP AusNet – tel: 131 799 – outer eastern and eastern Victoria
