Edison's Corner
The industry is complex and we're getting into the detail.
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What it means to offset carbon
As we transition to a new energy future, Australians are increasingly looking to live more sustainable lives – by minimising and mitigating their carbon emissions. But how does carbon offsetting work?
Energy Advice Packs
Through the Energy for Life program, AGL has developed ‘Energy Advice Packs’ which contain information and advice for households about available support, retailer hardship programs and simple tips to save energy around the home.
Spotlight on: Virtual Power Plants
A virtual power plant – it sounds so futuristic! And while VPPs are definitely part of our energy future, the concept is simple – and happening right now.
What it means to put the customer first
For almost two centuries, AGL has been focused on innovating to enhance the lives of Australians. Our Chief Customer Officer, Christine Corbett, explains how this is central part of our FY20 results.
Charting the pathway to the future
Our strategy and our Climate Statement come together in the belief that Australia’s energy future will be affordable and smart. Importantly, it will be low emissions based, helping tackle climate change.
Strong communities, through crisis
Our Community team is made up of unique people who talk to communities and ensure their ideas and issues are heard. But what happens when communities are shut down by COVID-19 restrictions? You find a solution.
You little butane at Wallumbilla
Butane is a useful gas, with almost limitless applications. In fact, you’ve probably used some today already with your own hands. And now we’re using it in a world-first to power one of our Queensland sites in a more sustainable and efficient way.
Volunteering…virtually
Through COVID-19 and the recession, charities are forced to do more with less. Our people are finding innovative solutions to continue supporting the causes that are important to them – like virtual volunteering to help those experiencing homelessness.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. One of our strategic partners, The Smith Family, helps young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves.
Explainer: TCFD and climate-related risk modelling
As we transition into a new energy future, climate-related risks are a major consideration. That’s why we regularly model future scenarios in accordance with the TCFD.
Spotlight on: flexible generation
The rise of renewable energy and the demand on the national grid is changing. There’s a pivotal need for generation that’s flexible – and that can respond to sudden peaks in demand within minutes. Why is that important – and what does it look like?
Deep dive: pandemic and impacts on the NEM
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly changed fundamental aspects of our daily lives. Many of us are working – and kids are studying – from home. At the same time, many services and businesses – for example, restaurants, shops, gyms, libraries - have had to close their doors, at least temporarily. So what is the cumulative impact of all these changes on electricity supply across the National Electricity Market (NEM)?
LED there be light
How many dollars does it take to change tens of thousands of light bulbs? We know exactly how many: $500,000, every year, just in maintenance costs. That’s one of many reasons we’re upgrading our power station lighting to long-lasting LEDs.
Devils in the details
While AGL operates some of the biggest solar farms in Australia, there’s no doubt the smaller projects can have a big impact too – like the solar and battery system on the Devil Ark conservation facility in remote NSW.
The future of the energy market: the five-minute settlement
In this new world where supply and consumption of electricity is ‘contestable’ – that is, where participants can buy from and sell to whomever will give them the best deal – a new, critical piece of the puzzle was needed. In 1998, the National Electricity Market (NEM) was created.
Fast and flexible energy from Barker Inlet Power Station
The influx of utility-scale renewables and rooftop solar means there’s a greater need for highly flexible firming energy sources which can be activated at a moment’s notice during times of high demand. The Barker Inlet Power Station (or BIPS) is nearing the final stages of construction, and it exemplifies this firming capacity.
The ABCs of Energy
Do you know your VPPs from your DMOs? Your PVs from your EVs? And just what is the Paris Agreement anyway? We’ve compiled the most commonly used terms from the energy sector in a handy reference.
Spotlight on: hydro
People have been harnessing the power of flowing water for millenia – but how does hydro power fit into our energy mix today?
Firm support for an evolving energy mix
The energy market is changing – and we need to take the lead and look at what energy mix will suit the dynamics of the market. We’re taking a look at the role of firming capacity to support that mix.
Spotlight On: Newcastle Gas Storage Facility
The Newcastle Gas Storage Facility is a crucial piece of energy infrastructure in NSW, delivering a stable and reliable supply of gas to meet ever-changing demand in the region.
Keep on trucking to peaking power
Keep on trucking! The first of three massive transformers arrive at the Barker Inlet Power Station, which when complete later this year will provide quickstart peaking power and grid stability for South Australia.
Component arrives for Coopers Gap
Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project recently saw the largest and heaviest section of the 3.8MW tower arrive at site. This section of the tower weighs 77 tonnes, has a diameter of 5 metres and is 13.6 metres long.
Explainer: the National Electricity Market
Imagine 40,000 km of electricity lines and cables – more than three times the diameter of the Earth – spreading from Port Douglas in Far North Queensland down to Hobart in Tasmania and west into Port Lincoln in South Australia.
Energy Advice Packs
AGL’s corporate responsibility program, Energy for Life, builds on AGL’s local community engagement strategy and seeks to make a genuine contribution to the wider community. The program aims to positively respond to emerging sustainability risks, especially with respect to energy-related financial hardship in the community.
Introducing AGL PUMP
In response to feedback from our Commercial and Industrial (C&I) business customers, we have developed AGL PUMP (Power Up Modular Purchasing) - a flexible, innovative, digital platform for our business customers to manage their own energy procurement.
Electric vehicles and the broader energy ecosystem
Recently, AGL hosted the Electric Vehicle Council’s second workshop on Electric Vehicle Charging and the Grid. The workshop brought together businesses from across the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain to identify opportunities for action.
Transition at Torrens Island
From September 2019, AGL will progressively mothball the 52-year-old Torrens A Station – starting with A2 and A4 – following the start of commercial operation of the 210MW Barker Inlet Power Station. The four Torrens B generating units will continue to operate as normal.
Solar powered Easter eggs
We all know about (and expect) the increased energy that comes with eating chocolate, but have you ever thought about the amount of energy it takes to make it? It takes a lot of cooling to keep Easter eggs at the perfect eating temperature. That’s why Heritage Fine Chocolates (now Darrell Lea Chocolates), have installed AGL solar panels at their Rowville factory - reducing their energy costs and emissions.
EUAA paper proposes solutions to gas supply shortages
The Energy Users Association of Australia released a National Gas Strategy Discussion Paper proposing solutions to gas supply issues. How does this support steps AGL is taking to address gas supply?
Flexing supply
How is our portfolio evolving to meet changes in demand and technology? Peaking power, like the proposed Kanmantoo Pumped Hydro project can be flexible and responsive to demand – providing extra energy when it’s needed most.
Coal constraints in NSW and energy prices following the sudden closure of Hazelwood
The Victoria Energy Policy Centre released a working paper focusing on market outcomes following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station in 2017. Looking at the VEPC report, there is an alternative reading for much of what it relies upon in drawing its conclusions.
Using data to make better decisions
Data and analytics are critical for AGL’s success – in enabling growth opportunities, building trust and helping us respond to an industry that is always changing, where technology is transforming the way customers engage with us.
Speaking of climate change…
AGL has sought to play a leading role in the way business engages on the important issue of climate change. We’ve given serious consideration to the physical and transitional risks and opportunities associated with climate change and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Read more.
On the road to delivering more peaking power
Barker Inlet Power Station is a peaking gas plant, which means it’s flexible in rapidly responding to demand. This week, AGL received the first of 12 engines for the power station.
Investing to help energy affordability
Making energy more affordable for our customers, particularly those struggling to pay their bills, is a top priority for AGL. Find out how we’re investing our money for the benefit of our customers and the community.
Progressing our lighting efficiency upgrade on site
Last year we committed $11m to Stage 1 of large-scale lighting upgrade across AGL’s operating facilities. Once complete, we expect the whole project to reduce our carbon impact by 35,000 tCO2e/y – that’s the equivalent of taking over 10,500 cars off the road for a year.
Prepping our sites for peak period
During those really hot days in Summer, energy demand hits its peak. To help maintain safe, sustainable and reliable energy for our customers and the community, we recently made a number of upgrades on site.
Demystifying the spot market
The concept of supply and demand is fundamental to the mechanics of the wholesale market. But how do generators receive payment for the electricity they produce? Learn more about the bid stack on the spot market.
Upgrade is increasing capacity, not emissions
Last week, AGL announced a $25 million investment to boost generation at our Loy Yang Power Station, without increasing coal consumption or emissions.
Pumping extra supply when it's needed most
Traditional hydro and pumped hydro generation have an extremely important role to play in an energy mix, because they can provide extra energy quickly in the event of rapid changes in customer demand or outages.
Tracking our carbon disclosure performance
AGL has responded to the CDP climate change survey since 2011. Last week, scores were announced for 2018 submissions. AGL again achieved a score of ‘B’ putting us in the management band, and above the electricity sector and Oceania regional averages.
How large scale batteries are charging up an energy mix
Operated by AGL, the ElectraNet 30 MW large-scale battery will enhance SA energy security, by supplying stored-energy during peak periods or whenever renewables aren't available.
Powering our community
AGL’s ‘Powering our Community’ is all about encouraging our people to get to know and support their local community.
How are we accounting for climate-related risks?
In 2015 during the climate negotiations in Paris, Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England and Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York, announced the creation of a new task force, which would help investors understand their financial exposure to climate risk and help companies disclose this information in a clear and consistent way.
Building our best workforce
Our people are our greatest asset – that’s why we’re investing in making AGL a great place to work.
Planning ahead and collaboration are the ingredients for a strong future
No forced redundancies’ is a commitment we’ve made to our people at Liddell as we work towards its long-planned retirement in 2022. For us, long-term planning and making sure our people and the community are supported in the transition is not negotiable.
Rewarding and harnessing the collective power of customers
The Peak Energy Rewards programs kicks in during periods of high demand. Offering a financial incentive for customers to electively reduce their electricity consumption for short periods of time to collectively lessen the load on the electricity grid.
Company value is more than financial performance
We have an increasingly sophisticated toolkit to help us explain the relationship between financial returns and other value drivers and impacts on the environment, on society and on the economy more broadly.
The rise of solar and its part in an energy mix
AGL welcomed Maoneng Australia’s announcement that it had reached financial close for the 255 megawatt (MW) Sunraysia Solar Farm. This solar farm is underpinned by Power Purchase Agreements under which UNSW Sydney and AGL Energy purchase the solar energy generated over 15 years. This solar energy will help contribute to our diverse energy mix.
The impact of rooftop solar on demand
In the middle of a sunny day, rooftop solar could soon supply more energy than South Australia needs at that time of day. But when the sun goes down, this generation tails off, which is also when peak demand kicks in. Read more about the impact of rooftop solar on demand.
Demystifying demand response
With ongoing debate about the National Energy Guarantee, there has been a bit of discussion about the merits of ‘demand response’. Demand response is a way to help reduce individual customer bills, improve reliability and reduce the average cost to supply electricity to all households and business.
AGL's contribution to the National Electricity Market
The National Electricity Market (NEM) is a wholesale energy market which transports electricity from power stations to consumers and large industrial users. As detailed in ‘The Health of the National Electricity Market’ late last year, across the NEM, the mix of generators is changing.
Our response to the AEMC report on retail competition
On Friday 15 June, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released the Retail Energy Competition Review.
Understanding net and gross generation
Ever wondered how we measure the energy we produce? Net generation is the energy sent to the grid, minus the energy used to produce energy.
Generation demand: then and now 2009-2018
Discover the significant changes in NEM capacity and demand over the last 10 years and why a renewable generation mix is cheaper in this context.
Submission to Victorian Interim Emissions Targets Independent Expert Panel
Victoria’s Climate Change Act legislated a long-term emissions reduction target for Victoria of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Submission in response to the Register of Distributed Energy Resources Rule Change Proposal
The Australian Energy Market Commission (Commission) released a Consultation Paper on a rule change proposal brought forward by the COAG Energy Council.
Submission to New South Wales Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal
AGL's response to NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
Submission in response to the Safeguard Mechanism Consultation
In February 2018, the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy released a consultation paper outlining proposed changes to..
Submission in response to Senate Inquiry into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
On 4 December 2017, the Senate established an Inquiry into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Inquiry).
Submission in response to Draft AER Retail Pricing Information Guidelines
On 16 March, AGL made a submission in response the Australian Energy Regulator’s Draft Retail Pricing Information Guidelines.
Submission to Senate inquiry into the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Amendment (Carbon Capture and Storage) Bill 2017
On 8 February 2018, the Senate referred the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Amendment (Carbon Capture and Storage) Bill 2017 to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry.
Submission to the Energy Security Board on the National Energy Guarantee Consultation Paper
On 15 February 2018, the Energy Security Board (ESB) released a consultation paper with further principles on the design of the proposed National Energy Guarantee (Guarantee).
Submission to Infrastructure Victoria on automated and zero emission vehicle infrastructure
The Victorian Government requested that Infrastructure Victoria consult with industry and stakeholders, and conduct research and analysis into what infrastructure the state needs to enable automated (self-driving) vehicles and zero emission vehicles.
Submission to ACCC on gas pricing
AGL has made a submission to the ACCC regarding its proposal to publish a netback price for LNG.
Submission in response to AEMO's Integrated System Plan consultation
The energy industry transformation is gaining momentum at both ends of the energy supply chain; from large-scale generation and transmission to the distribution and consumer level.
AGL Energy Insights
Enabling customers to take control of their energy use is a positive step in the innovation of energy retail.
Submission: Response to NSW Government's discussion paper on customer protections in a changing energy world
AGL's recent submission n response to NSW Government's discussion paper on customer protections in a changing energy world.
Submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Electric Vehicles 2017
AGL hosted its annual Investor Day yesterday, featuring presentations from members of AGL’s Executive Team. Find out more.
Why an energy mix makes more sense than new coal
While carbon risk is a reality that every business needs to assess, the closure of Liddell Power Station and the selection of a mixture of energy...
Submission in response to the ESC's draft Guidance Note on the Payment Difficulties Framework
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the ‘yes’ result of Australia’s marriage equali survey today.
Rehabilitating our assets
As outlined in our 2017 Sustainability Report, our approach to the rehabilitation of assets is guided by three underlying principles.
Submission in response to the NSW Government's changes to the NSW Social Code
AGL's recent submission in response to the NSW Government's changes to the NSW Social Code.
Submission in response to Contestability of energy services draft rule determination
AGL believes that the energy market transformation presents an important opportunity to empower customers to more fully participate in the broader energy market.
Submission in response to the AER’s demand management incentive scheme and allowance mechanism
AGL's recent submission in response to the AER’s demand management incentive scheme and allowance mechanism.
Submission in response to the AEMC's 2017 Energy sector strategic priorities
AGL's recent submission in response to the AEMC's 2017 Energy sector strategic priorities.
AGL's 20MW Demand Response project
ARENA and the Australian Energy Market Operator have joined forces with companies from across the energy sector to bring ten exciting projects from eight innovators, spanning New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Submission on ESB's Ministerial Power to make Rules
AGL's recent submission on the ESB's Ministerial Power to make Rules.
Submission to the Review of the Carbon Farming Initiative Legislation and the Emissions Reduction Fund
AGL's recent submission to the Review of the Carbon Farming Initiative Legislation and the Emissions Reduction Fund.
FY17 sustainability report: energy prices and affordability
AGL’s FY17 Sustainability Report covers a range of matters of particular interest to our customers. One of these is energy prices and affordability.
Special report: social and economic inclusion
AGL has long recognised climate change as an issue that is likely to materially influence our operations by driving a fundamental change in the way Australians produce and consume energy.
Submission to the Senate inquiry into the current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure
AGL's recent submission to the Senate inquiry into the current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure.
Submission in response to Senate inquiry into the implications of climate change for Australia's national security
AGL's recent submission in response to Senate inquiry into the implications of climate change for Australia's national security.
CDP - Climate Change Survey 2017 submission
On 30 June 2017 AGL submitted our 2017 CDP climate change survey response covering our operations in the 2015/2016 financial year.
Final Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
As businesses increasingly take action to address the effects of climate change on their day-to-day operations and long-term strategies, a growing number of investors are demanding better information on those actions.
Submission to the Essential Services Commission of Victoria New Draft Decision: Payment Difficulty Framework
AGL made this submission in response to the Essential Services Commission of Victoria Draft Decision on the Safety Net for Victoria Energy.
Submission on cost benefit analysis of options to collect and share information about small scale battery storage Consultation Paper
AGL made this submission in response to the cost benefit analysis of options to collect and share information about small scale battery storage (consultation paper).
How does the wholesale electricity market work?
As electricity demand increases in short-time periods (i.e. heat wave when everyone switches on their air conditioner), additional generation capacity must be brought online quickly but for relatively short periods of time.
AGL Submission to the AEMC's Review of Regulatory Arrangements for Embedded Networks
AGL's submission to the AEMC's Review of Regulatory Arrangements for Embedded Networks
AGL submission to the 2017 Climate Policy Review
AGL has made a submission to the Federal Government 2017 review of climate policies.
Inquiry into modernising Australia's Electricity grid
There are both opportunities and challenges associated with this inexorable transition which our submission explores in more detail.
NSW energy security taskforce
AGL's submission seeks to address the focus areas of the NSW Taskforce by looking at three critical actions needed from Federal, State and Local governments.
Submission to the Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions
The Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions was established by the Australian Government to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to addressing emissions from motor vehicles.
Submission to the demand management incentive scheme and innovation allowance consultation
In January 2017, the AER published a Consultation Paper which set out a range of potential options for the design of both the scheme and innovation allowance.
Submission to the Preliminary Report of the Independent Review into the Future Security of the NEM
Dr Alan Finkel presented the Preliminary Report of the Review to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Leaders’ Meeting on 9 December 2016.
Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry
AGL's response to the recent submission made to the Senate Select Committee into the Resilience of Electricity Infrastructure in a Warming World.
Submission on approach to review of electricity network economic regulation
Last week, AGL made this submission to an approach paper published by the AEMC setting out how it intends to conduct the task, the proposed information sources and the priority areas of focus for the 2017 report.
Submission to Demand Side Participation Information Guidelines Issues Paper
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is consulting on the development of Demand Side Participation (DSP) Information Guidelines.