The fifth lites.asia meeting will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 28 and 29 June 2012. [ + ]

The IPART final determination for electricity prices confirmed that the carbon tax will increase electricity bills for small business, according to the NSW Business Chamber. [ + ]

General Cable Corporation has announced it will acquire a majority interest (60%) in Procables SA for $45 million. The Sredni Group will maintain a 40% interest in the business. [ + ]

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) said it intends to closely monitor the new Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) agency’s effectiveness, expressing concern that the Australian Building and Construction Commission’s (ABCC’s) replacement will have reduced powers and may not be as effective in regulating the industry. [ + ]

Managers, pay attention: 77% of employees would consider leaving their current jobs based on a lack of positive recognition for their work, according to the latest RedBalloon Reward and Recognition Survey. [ + ]

AGL Energy has selected First Solar as its project partner for two utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects totalling 159 MW. The projects are supported by the Solar Flagships Program, which offers funding to support the construction of large-scale, grid-connected solar (PV and thermal) power stations. [ + ]

The Sydney Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW Budget, saying it delivers key initiatives to reinstate Sydney as Australia’s leading city, through investment in transport infrastructure and a new approach to development. [ + ]

PEI-Genesis has received two performance awards from Amphenol Corporation for 2011: the Global Excellence Award and the North American Excellence Award. [ + ]

As part of a growing line of energy management services for the data centre, Schneider Electric has introduced EnergySTEP Data Centre Assessment. It provides a detailed, customisable assessment of the power, cooling, physical infrastructure and operational efficiencies of a data centre that allows data centre managers to benchmark the performance of their facility against industry standards such as the Green Grid Data Centre Maturity Model. The assessment focuses on improvements that will help the data centre manager drive down the spiralling cost of energy, while ensuring maximum availability. [ + ]

Philips will light the majority of football stadiums in the Ukraine and Poland, including the Olympic stadium of Kiev (NSC Olimpiyskiy). These stadiums are, amongst other, venues for the European football championship this year during this summer’s football tournament. [ + ]

Honeywell has acquired INNCOM, a manufacturer of advanced software-based energy management solutions and in-room controls for lodging, healthcare and educational institutions. [ + ]

Defence industry manufacturer ATSA (Advanced Technology Systems Australia) has made waves in tidal power generation development with its involvement in the SeaUrchin project. [ + ]

Apex Wiring Solutions has opened its first Australian office in Melbourne. The company says the investment is a result of growing demand for preassembled modular power and lighting systems around the world. [ + ]

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has praised the federal government’s announcement that it will help communities and families buy energy-efficient hot water systems and household goods, saying it will support local cleantech manufacturing jobs. [ + ]

The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) is calling for papers for its 50th annual conference at the Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus on 6 and 7 December 2012. [ + ]