This year’s EE-Oz Training Standards conference will focus on groundbreaking projects and initiatives involving Indigenous engagement in the electrical trades. The event will take place over 30 and 31 October in Alice Springs. [ + ]

The major city mortgage belts and regional Australia are the biggest investors in solar, according to new research in The Geographical Analysis of Solar Systems under the Renewable Energy Target just released by the REC Agents Association. [ + ]

Compressed Air and Power Services Australia has launched a website which couples a selection guide and resource library for industrial equipment. [ + ]

National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has announced the appointment of respected industry identity Mick Logan as Member Services Manager. [ + ]

Australia’s 20% Renewable Energy Target has delivered $18.5 billion in investment with the potential for $18.7 billion more, according to an independent report from strategic consultancy SKM MMA. [ + ]

Senator Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, has launched free television and computer recycling services in Sydney as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. [ + ]

The Coronial Inquest into one of the deaths linked to the federal government’s Home Insulation Program (HIP) was a timely reminder about the importance of electrical safety and the use of qualified tradespeople, Master Electricians Australia has said. [ + ]

According to the latest pitt&sherry Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX), the demand for electricity supplied by the National Electricity Market (NEM) generators has continued to decrease steadily. CEDEX has been providing the most accurate early indicators for key greenhouse gas emission trends in Australia since 2007. [ + ]

A study of actual power bills paid by businesses before and after the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July has found the carbon price had only a modest impact on power prices. But the study has uncovered previously unreported increases of up to 75% in the charges imposed by some electricity networks. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on the federal and state governments to take responsibility for the flawed school building scheme which has left small contracting businesses millions of dollars out of pocket and driven many to the brink of bankruptcy. [ + ]

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned at the likely detrimental impact that the substantial reduction in apprenticeship incentives revealed in the media will have on apprenticeship numbers. [ + ]

A growing demand for cable management products among SMEs and consumers has prompted tech entrepreneur Nicole Kersh to launch a new consumer-friendly shopping website - CableManagement.com.au. [ + ]

Infrastructure Australia has called on governments to consider selling commercially viable, publicly owned assets to the private sector to fund new infrastructure. [ + ]

The CEC has welcomed the Electricity Network Regulation Frameworks report, saying it is “heading in the right direction with its recommendations on making the electricity market more consumer-oriented”. [ + ]

Compressed air solutions specialist Sullair Australia has secured a landmark contract to provide 23 compressor packages - including ancillary equipment - for leading Australian coal seam gas producer QGC. [ + ]