01/02/2016
We shine a light on solar power to see whether it is worth developers considering installing a solar array in their next new development or whether retrofitting existing buildings stacks up. With the Australian government committing to a target of limiting global temperatures by 1.5 degrees Celsius as a result […]
15/12/2015
Developers can make substantial savings and improve safety by making the switch to LED lighting. Light Emitting Diode technology was discovered in 1907, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that commercial applications were found and only in the past decade has the technology advanced enough and become cheap enough to […]
21/09/2015
The National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) was introduced to Queensland in July 2015. Prior to this, the sale of electricity was regulated under the Queensland Electricity Act (1994) and there were limited restrictions placed on those that sold electricity using an embedded network, such as bodies corporate. Under the NECF, […]
17/08/2015
The changes have been implemented in an effort to reflect a customer’s real demand on the network and to encourage large network users to become more efficient. A reduction in reactive power demand will slow the need for network infrastructure and hopefully see a slowing in the upward trend for […]
10/07/2015
The residential development market has seen a growing trend towards using embedded network retailers to supply metering hardware at no charge, in return for operational control of the network for a number of years once the project is complete and the body corporate is operational. While most operators use contract […]
05/06/2015
There have been huge changes to the way our large scale residential developments have managed utilities in recent years. Strata communities can now often be considered as micro grids in their own right, whether self managed or under the control of a third party. While embedded networks and centralised infrastructure […]
12/05/2015
There is a rising trend in residential development for third party embedded utility networks. Whether it is hot water, electricity or chilled water (for air conditioning), developers are increasingly looking to these third party providers to supply capital equipment. In return, the third party will directly invoice the resident for […]
09/04/2015
Hot water options for high rise residential developments are so varied that there really isn’t a ‘one size’ fits all option – well at least there shouldn’t be. Each development should be reviewed to ensure all of the variables are considered before choosing the type of hot water plant is […]
04/03/2015
Developers can save over $100k in utility infrastructure. How you may ask? Utility infrastructure is one of the areas that developers are consistently reviewing in order to save precious capital costs. Utility pricing has become a hot topic in recent years, and not just for energy consumers. As developers face […]
13/06/2014
From July 2015 Energex will begin charging large customers in QLD for kilovolt ampere (kVA) demand. The charges will be applied to the retail bills of large market customers and will replace the existing kilowatt (kW) demand calculations. The changes have been implemented in an effort to reflect a customer’s […]
07/11/2013
By David Reid. Will removing the Carbon Tax reduce my electricity bill? It’s a common question and one that has been fuelled by promises made during the federal election. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has noted on many occasions that the price of electricity will fall by nine percent and the […]
28/08/2013
By David Reid In Queensland it is common for unit owners to be paying for water by lot entitlement. Strata communities are increasingly looking towards smart metering to ensure residents are being charged based on their individual consumption. This article looks at the benefits and challenges associated with charging for […]