How organised misinformation campaigns are distorting Australia’s clean energy debate, and why confronting them is crucial to keeping the transition on track.
SwitchedOn podcast: The energy disinformation machine – how doubt fuels delay
Policy
“You’re now in charge:” Battery rebate hits new milestone as solar homes seize the day
"Your roof is a power station, your garage stores energy." Bowen marks significant Cheaper Home Batteries milestone, says rebate is about putting households in charge.
Two businesses face bans over alleged “phantom” energy efficiency upgrades
Two companies restricted and suspended from state energy upgrade scheme after allegedly claiming certificates for "phantom" projects that did not take place.
“Seriously awesome policies:” The state where home owners can double dip on battery rebates
The offer of both state and federal battery rebates has created confusion, but for this independent virtual power plant provider, business has "exploded" since July.
Solar and battery census launches in bid to unlock Australia’s next rooftop boom
Two Australian distributed renewable energy experts launch an industry census to help unlock the huge potential of the commercial solar and storage industry.
State nears 9,000 home battery rebate applications, despite contentious “stacked” approach
Nearly 9,000 home batteries ordered through combined state and federal rebate since July, putting it "well on track" to hit 20,000 applications by year's end.
“Remarkable rollout:” Home battery installs sail past 40,000 in just 40 days
The number of discounted energy storage systems installed under the federal rebate has sailed past 40,000, in just eight working weeks since it was launched.
Climate ratings could spare buyers from risky homes, help guide insurance premiums
Australian homes could be rated on their vulnerability to bushfires, floods and other climate risks in a move that would keep buyers from uninsurable properties.
Energy retailer cops fine for using banned sales tactics, including “win-back” offers
Electricity retailer cops fine for using marketing methods that are banned in Victoria, including cold-calling customers and making "win-back" offers.
Unaccredited solar installer convicted of 11 separate offences
Clean Energy Regulator convicts New South Wales man of multiple offences relating to fraudulent claims under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
State opts to “double” home battery discounts in merger with federal rebate scheme
A two-pronged state and federal home battery incentive promises to roughly double the discounts available to solar households – including for joining a VPP.
Solar installer slapped with permanent ban following criminal conviction
Clean Energy Regulator has permanently suspended the operations of a solar installation company over electrical licence misuse.
Federal and state battery rebates combine to reach five times as many households
Federal and WA Labor agree to stack their respective home battery incentive schemes – but not in the way many might have hoped, and with a VPP twist.
“Sun tax” state bucks trend and raises solar feed-in tariff, Victoria sets floor at zero
State pricing regulator achieves rare feat of setting benchmark solar feed-in tariff higher, and not lower, than the year before. Down south, it's a zero sum game.
State closes down home battery loan scheme ahead of federal rebate
Over to you, Cheaper Home Batteries! State closes applications to zero interest loan one month ahead of federal rebate launch.
State opens up electrification one-stop-shops to all households getting off gas
After a range of select postcode trials, state government opens its Electric Home Planner service to all households seeking advice on how to get off gas.
