California needs aggressive efficiency and electrification to cut emissions, report says
27 May, 2011California can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 through bold policy, behavioural changes as well as some scientific innovation.
Green initiatives that will affect electrical regulations
04 April, 2011 by Paul StathisRegulatory impact statements (RIS) published with new regulations in Australia generally state that mandatory changes of any kind are carefully scrutinised before they are imposed, to minimise their impost on both industry and the community. That situation is true with regard to electrical regulations, where most mandated requirements revolve around electrical safety. Few mandatory energy-efficiency regulations are enforced upon us.
RoHS II gathers momentum
31 March, 2011The European Parliament completed its first reading of the draft of RoHS II in November 2010 and the publication of the directive is expected in the first half of 2011.
ICRC advice on ACT feed-in tariff premium pricing
22 March, 2011The ACT Government recently released information from the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission about the ACT’s feed-in tariff scheme.
Safety switch could have prevented tragic death
18 March, 2011NECA agrees with the coroner who finds that the tragic death of a child could have been prevented if a wet extension cord had had a safety switch installed.
Union raises safety concerns over smart meters
21 February, 2011The ETU recently raised concerns over smart meter installations, claiming that the industry regulator allowed unqualified subcontractors to install them.
Electrical industry frustrated that insulation figures kept in the dark
21 February, 2011NECA has expressed its frustration that the Australian Government has denied another opportunity to inform people affected by the failed Home Insulation Program (HIP) about the true size of the problem.
What electrical safety ratings mean
21 February, 2011A knowledge of the electrical hazard/risk categories for test equipment is essential in maintaining a safe workplace for electrical contractors and technicians.
Energy Safe Victoria issues flood warning
03 February, 2011Energy Safe Victoria has recently issued important electrical safety advice for both building occupants and electrical contractors concerning flood-affected buildings.
Guidelines for electrical inspection and verification testing of flood-affected properties
18 January, 2011Energy Safe Victoria has issued a guidance note to electricians advising on the inspection and testing requirements for properties that are affected by floodwater.
Warnings about electricity and appliances after flood damage
14 January, 2011In the wake of Queensland’s recent floods, building occupants are strongly being urged to arrange for licensed electricians to check their electrical systems before they return to their homes and businesses.
Home insulation deaths spark new electrical safety recommendations
29 November, 2010An electrical safety investigation prompted by the fatalities in the federal insulation scheme has found 15 people are killed and 300 hospitalised each year as a result of preventable electrical accidents in Australian homes.
Electrical industry association says government must come clean on insulation figures
25 November, 2010NECA has reiterated its call for the federal government to release information on the Home Insulation Program so as to minimise the risks of more deaths occurring.
Ai Group lodges appeals to preserve workplace flexibility
22 November, 2010Australian Industry Group has lodged three Fair Work appeals recently in an endeavour to preserve workplace flexibility.
Product warranties - do they really protect?
07 October, 2010 by Andrew Douglas, Principal Lawyer, Douglas LPTThe value of warranties can be well described by a famous speech by US Senator George Graham Vest in an address to a jury about the fidelity of dogs: “He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince ... if fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against enemies.”
