Locally produced energy is the key to reducing upgrade costs on Sydney’s “ageing and inefficient network”, according to Lord Mayor Clover Moore. [ + ]

Philips Lighting will deliver energy-efficient lighting solutions to Jones Lang LaSalle clients through a global partnership platform designed to drive a sustainable transformation of energy use in commercial real estate markets. [ + ]

Weidmuller Australia celebrated its 40th anniversary with an Australiana-themed luncheon party complete with hand-picked local food and a bush band at its headquarters in Emu Plains on Thursday 20 September. [ + ]

Epuron has acquired the 1 MW Uterne solar power plant from SunPower. The project was financed by the Commonwealth Bank, making it the country’s first bank to support a solar project of this size. [ + ]

A number of industry players have welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to introduce voluntary flexible pricing in 2013. [ + ]

Austest Laboratories has achieved accreditation for several EMC immunity standards for support of Australian manufacturers in export markets. [ + ]

ABB has been selected as one of the finalists in the 2012 Banksia Environmental Awards in the Clean Technology - Harnessing Opportunities category for its sulfur hexafluoride gas recycling technology. [ + ]

NECA has established a new branch in New England, NSW, which will represent members in Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Gunnedah and Scone. [ + ]

Elster EnergyICT has signed a five-year energy management solution contract with SEDAC Energy Management, an Australian energy service company (ESCO). [ + ]

Queensland Overseas Foundation scholarships give selected tradespeople  the opportunity to live and work overseas for up to two years, once they have completed their formal apprenticeships or vocational training. [ + ]

Australia’s best and brightest sparkies were acknowledged at the National Annual Excellence Awards held by Master Electricians Australia (MEA) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) on Saturday 22 September. [ + ]

Arogen claims Leighton Contractors has failed to pay nearly $6 million for work carried out on Ausgrid’s New South Wales Energy2U project. [ + ]

A review of wiring rules has raised a call for public comment from the cabling and telecommunications industries.  [ + ]

Sullair Australia will represent its diesel-powered, high-pressure portable air compressor range directly to the marketplace through its national sales force and via specified distribution partners. [ + ]

Industry advocate Becky O’Brien of O’Brien Electrical was crowned North Queensland Business Woman of the Year at the National Annual Excellence Awards, held by Master Electricians Australia and the Electrical Contractors Association. [ + ]