The ACMA has invited comment on the regulatory safeguards that should apply as NBN moves to introduce optional battery backup for most new NBN fibre connections. [ + ]

The University of Wollongong has been awarded the National Environment and Energy Efficiency Commercial Building Award for its Sustainable Buildings Research Centre. [ + ]

ASHRAE is seeking comments on a proposed standard that addresses the unique energy requirements of data centres. Standard 90.4P is being developed in response to requests to recognise the energy performance profiles unique to data centres. [ + ]

Despite two million Australian homes having solar installed, the phase-out of government support programs has seen demand drop off, a new report from REC Agents Association (RAA) shows. [ + ]

Yingli Solar has completed a contract through its installation partner EnviroGroup to supply an 80 kW solar PV system for an award-winning Victorian dessert supplier. [ + ]

Data centre professionals in China and Hong Kong run their data centres at a higher temperature despite a long-term belief that a cooler temperature means more efficient operation with less risk of equipment downtime, reveals a recent survey. [ + ]

ABB has signed a long-term service agreement (LTSA) with QGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BG Group, to provide planned and unplanned maintenance for the up- and mid-stream facilities at Queensland Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas (QCLNG). [ + ]

Philips has partnered with carpet producer Desso to create new products combining LED lighting with light-transmissive carpet. [ + ]

Magellan Power has been awarded a contract to supply a demand management system to TransGrid, the owner and operator of one of the largest high-voltage transmission networks in Australia. [ + ]

The ACCC has cleared the way for the NBN Co takeover of TransACT's fibre to the premises network. [ + ]

Schneider Electric's Energy University has been officially endorsed by the Institute of Hospital Engineering Australia (IHEA) as a recognised source of educational and developmental material. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia has welcomed the launch of the $25 million royal commission into the controversial pink batts program. [ + ]

AJ Baker & Sons has acquired South Australian refrigeration and catering equipment provider Hill Equipment & Refrigeration for an undisclosed sum. All of Hill Equipment's 73 Adelaide staff will be retained. [ + ]

CAPS Australia has appointed a new business development manager - power generation for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania: Steve Turton. [ + ]

Government plans to cut funding by 14.5% to ARENA - a total of $435 million - are an “own goal for direct action” on climate change, according to Australian Solar Council Chief Executive John Grimes. [ + ]