Latest news with #AGL
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
AGL Energy bill problem that has angered Australians
TV star Reggie Bird has exposed the abject failure of Australia's energy policy, with her electricity bill almost tripling in just three months. The 51-year-old mother-of-two slammed her energy provider AGL after she received a quarterly electricity bill for March to June of $1,304.61. Reggie had paid $461.13 in the previous quarter. 'Please explain AGL - how can my electricity bill go so bloody high from using the air conditioner over summer months Dec-March to not using it from March onwards and my power is triple?,' the former Big Brother winner posted. 'It doesn't make any sense? I know power companies said they were increasing their prices but this much is crazy. 'I know there are people who are homeless and would give anything to have a home but this is just ridiculous paying so much for power.' After looking into her charges, Reggie discovered her previous bill was an 'estimated amount' and that it appeared AGL had added the extra costs to the current quarter. Reggie explained she did not understand why AGL had charged her almost triple the amount of the last quarter as she had not used her air conditioner Reggie said she did not understand why the previous bill was an estimated amount as the power company had access to the entire unit complex and its meters. Daily Mail Australia has contacted AGL for comment. Social media users were appalled, but not surprised, at the massive increase in Reggie's electricity cost as many had experienced similar. 'I'm on my own. My last electric bill was $500 dollars. I don't cook, or use aircon or heater, just showers. Bloody hell,' one person commented. 'Contact the ombudsman for power he might be able to help you. We use the same power company and they charge us more than that monthly. It's crazy,' a second person wrote. Others urged Reggie to contact AGL and find out whether the current bill was an estimate and if so to provide the company with accurate readings of her meters. 'I had an extortionate gas bill of $750 and it was an estimate. Sent in a meter reading and revised one was $190. Check the bill and meter,' one person commented. 'That's exactly what happened to us!!! Same excuse. Our bill (we have solar panels) doubled and then found a note they couldn't get into our box,' a second person wrote. 'I had two estimates in a row as the meter reader 'couldn't find the meter'. I took photos of the meter showing the reading and my bill was adjusted by nearly $500,' a third person chimed. A fourth added: 'AGL did this to us twice and I rang them, took photos of the clocks and they were way off'. Another frustrated customer said rising bills weren't just due to dodgy meter readings, but also steep price hikes. The Tango Energy customer shared a 'price increase notice' from their provider, revealing their electricity usage rate had more than doubled - jumping from 14.54 cents to 29.86 cents per kilowatt-hour. 'Generally increases have been reasonable until this notice where the service charge have been reduced by 50 cents per day, but then usage gone up,' they wrote. It comes after energy regulators locked in a power bill increase of more than nine per cent for some Australian households. The Australian Energy Regulator's (AER) final determination report, released last month, instituted the increase on safety net prices from July 1. The increase determines what retailers can charge customers in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia during the next financial year under a default market offer. What's causing the high power prices? High demand and network outages were blamed for the steep wholesale prices feeding into higher retail prices, along with the reliance on expensive renewable energy as Australian governments phase out coal-fired power stations to pursue the goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. 'These spot prices were partially driven by a greater frequency of high price events, which resulted from a range of factors including high demand, coal generator and network outages, and low renewable generation output,' the AER said. In regional New South Wales, Essential Energy residential customers face the biggest increase of $228 or 9.1 per cent, with the AER citing 'improved network resilience to address climate change-related risks' along with 'the integration of consumer energy resources including rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles'. This takes the average annual electricity bill for 2025-26 to $2,741, which is even steeper than the $188 or 8.5 per cent increase for Endeavour Energy customers in Sydney, who will be paying $2,411. Another Aussie shared the rate of their electricity usage had jumped a whopping 105 per cent from 14.542 to 29.865 cents per Kilowatt-hour (pictured) The increases in NSW were up to 6.7 per cent above forecast inflation, with more homes having a smart meter monitoring when residents used electricity. In south-east Queensland, Energex's increases were more moderate at $77 or 3.7 per cent, or 1.3 per cent above forecast inflation to an average of $2,143. South Australians were set to see a $71 or 3.2 per cent increase, which was 0.8 per cent above predicted inflation for SA Power Networks customers, for an average bill of $2,301. Veteran American energy analyst Robert Bryce warned that Australia's push toward net‑zero was placing a heavy economic strain on ordinary households, as soaring power prices ripple through the economy, driving up costs in key industries and inflating prices for everything from construction to groceries. Australia's net zero policy aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050 through a transition to renewables, storage, and gas-backup. 'What is wrong with you Australians? You have natural resources that are the envy of the rest of the world,' Mr Bryce told Credlin. 'You're the Saudi Arabia of the Southern Hemisphere, you export seven times more coal than you consume and yet you don't want to burn coal. 'You have nearly 30 per cent of the world's uranium and you won't build nuclear reactors. 'You export three times more natural gas in the form of LNG than you consume, and you won't drill for gas. 'I've got no dog in this fight, but it just is incredible to see how bad the policy is here in such a resource-rich country.' How to save on your energy bill Research from Canstar Blue found nearly one quarter - or 23 per cent - of Aussies never checked to see if they could change plans or providers to save on household bills. Canstar Blue Data Insights Director Sally Tindall revealed households could save more than $5,500 if they switched to lower cost providers for bills including insurances, the mortgages, electricity, gas, NBN and mobile phone plans. The average household could potentially save up to $319 a year on their electricity bills and up to $294 on their gas bills if they made the switch. Tindall said the end of the financial year was an opportunity for Aussies to revaluate their household expenses. 'It's the prime opportunity to do a stocktake of your expenses to see what you could switch, ditch or slim down to save,' Ms Tindall said. 'Service providers also have targets they need to hit, which makes now the perfect time to leverage the competition.' Ms Tindall advised July was the peak season to switch electricity providers as customers try to mitigate the price hikes introduced at this time by the AER. 'While the temptation is to put it in the too hard basket, if you can carve out a few hours in the next week, you'll be amazed at how quickly the savings start tallying up,' Ms Tindall said.
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
‘80 per cent' of Aussies paying too much
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced a raft of proposed reforms designed to save Australian households from soaring power prices. Speaking at Australian Energy Week in Melbourne on Wednesday, Mr Bowen said reform to the way the energy price cap mechanism worked outside of Victoria was needed in order to make price caps effective. 'Currently, the independent Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets the default market offer (DMO) as a benchmark for residential and small business electricity bills in NSW, South East Queensland and South Australia, while here the Victorian default offer is set by the Essential Services Commission,' he said. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced his intention to overhaul price cap regulators in 2026. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: NewsWire 'The DMO was intended to act as a benchmark price to stop the worst forms of price gouging while leaving the job of putting downward pressure on prices to competition. 'However, I'll be frank. I don't think it's working that way and reform is needed.' Mr Bowen said the vast majority of bill payers, 'some 80 per cent', could be getting a better deal. 'It's difficult to defend the DMO when the customer is required to do the deal hunting,' he said. 'We know it could be so much simpler.' Mr Bowen announced that in 2026 the federal government would be delivering a 'reformed pricing mechanism' designed 'to get the best deal for consumers and act as the maximum price retailers can charge for standing offers in DMO regions'. 'The reformed pricing mechanism will bring DMO states closer in line with other jurisdictions like here in Victoria, which this year has seen significantly smaller bill increases compared to DMO regions,' he said. The Victorian default offer (VDO) rose by less than 1 per cent in 2024–25, while the DMO varied much more widely; in NSW some residential customers experienced a decrease of about 1 per cent, while in South East Queensland prices increased by about 4 per cent. The announcement has drawn criticism from energy providers who say they're surviving on razor-thin profit margins as it is and the planned overhaul could put small energy providers out of business. AGL says to reduce bills, 'we need to look at the whole picture'. NewsWire /Brendan Beckett Credit: NewsWire One of Australia's biggest energy providers AGL issued a statement in response, saying it would look forward to engaging with the government on the review but 'to reduce energy bills, we need to look at the whole picture'. 'The government and industry are actively working on measures to reduce wholesale electricity costs. At 40 per cent of an average bill, network costs are a big component of bills and are continuing to grow quickly,' the statement read. 'A focus on improving network productivity is essential to keep these costs in check. Retail costs only represent around 10 per cent of an average bill and we need to carefully consider any moves that could lessen competition in the retail market, particularly if smaller retailers were no longer able to operate.'
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Sungrow Supports AGL in Advancing Agrivoltaics in Australia, Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Farming
SYDNEY, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the agricultural sector embraces clean energy to enhance sustainability and resilience, Sungrow has collaborated with renowned energy provider AGL Energy to power the Kerarbury almond farm in Griffith, New South Wales. By integrating state-of-the-art storage technology with solar energy, the project marks a significant step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring a stable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy supply for local farms. This project is equipped with Sungrow's leading-edge solutions, featuring the SG4950HV-MV PCS and PowerTitan Liquid-cooled energy storage system (ST2293UX battery units), seamlessly integrated with over 10,000 solar panels. It has a total installed capacity of 5.99 MW and generates approximately 14,000 MWh of clean electricity annually. This transition is expected to cut 7,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year, significantly decreasing the agricultural sector's dependence on traditional, non-renewable energy sources. Agriculture plays a vital role in Australia's economy, yet rising energy costs and environmental concerns pose increasing challenges. By leveraging Sungrow's advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology, the project achieves an estimated 83% renewable energy penetration rate, enabling farm operators to lower operational costs, stabilize energy supply, and increase profitability. This initiative highlights the potential of agrivoltaics in transforming farming operations, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits. " At AGL, we're proud to support forward-thinking initiatives like the Kerarbury almond farm project that bring together clean energy innovation and agricultural resilience," said Brendan Weinert, Head of Sustainable Business Energy Solutions at AGL Energy. " Partnering with Sungrow to integrate storage solutions is a powerful example of how the energy and farming sectors can work together to drive meaningful emissions reductions, improve energy reliability, lower costs, and build a more sustainable future for regional communities," Mr. Weinert added. Joe Zhou, Country Director of Sungrow Australia, stated: " This project demonstrates how renewable energy can transform agriculture. By working with AGL, we are enabling farmers to harness clean energy reliably and cost-effectively while contributing to a more sustainable future." Projects like this highlight Sungrow's commitment to advancing solar and storage technology, ensuring diverse industries and communities have access to reliable, clean energy. About AGL AGL Energy is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies, providing electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy solutions to over 4.2 million customers while spearheading the country's clean energy transition. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow had installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the world's most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit:
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Honeywell's India business to enter $1billion club this year
Bengaluru: Honeywell's India business is set to enter the $1 billion revenue club in the 2025 calendar year, up from $900 million, fuelled by the convergence of 5G, cloud, and AI, creating a strong growth tailwind. "India provides an opportunity to grow at double-digits over the next several years for companies like us. It's one of our fastest-growing markets globally. We plan to be a $1 billion company in 2025. The convergence of AI, 5G, and cloud—a powerful trifecta transforming the industries we serve. This unique combination creates significant promise and marks a major inflection point in AI adoption," said Ashish Modi, president of Honeywell India. Honeywell has been present in the country for over nine decades, from licensing technology for the first refinery at Digboi in Assam in the 1930s to supporting the 100 smart cities initiative. Its business powers three megatrends—automation, aviation, and energy transition. It also delivers solutions across aerospace, industrial and building automation, and energy. At the core of Honeywell's technology transformation is its AI-driven platform, Forge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Irish homeowners eligible for solar 'bonus' if they live in these eircodes Activ8 Learn More Undo Designed to ingest and contextualize diverse data sets, serves as a cross-industry IoT platform that drives digital transformation across people, processes, and assets Honeywell in India has three manufacturing facilities and four global centres of excellence for technology development and innovation. It employs close to 13,000 people across 20 locations in the country. "Over 60% of Honeywell's global software development happens in India, marking a significant Make in India contribution," he said. AI is embedded in three key areas—products. AI-powered tools like Maintenance Assist speed up issue diagnosis and optimise building energy use. In product development, AI-assisted coding accelerates development and reduces time to market, and it leverages AI to enhance productivity across HR, legal, sales, and customer service by supporting employees, not replacing them. Modi said the company recently announced what we call the airport ground lighting system. "We started a new line in the Gurugram factory," he added. Honeywell launched its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) manufacturing facility in Gurugram. The 41,000 sq ft facility produces AGL systems essential for safe airport operations and compliance with global aviation standards. India's rapidly growing aviation industry is projected to invest up to $12 billion and expand from 148 to 220 airports by 2025. Honeywell's Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) solutions, developed and engineered in India, are FAA-certified and comply with ICAO standards. Honeywell's LED-based AGL solutions improve visibility, reduce energy consumption, and offer greater durability and longer lifespan compared to traditional halogen lamps. Modi said that Honeywell teamed up with Navin Fluorine, part of the Padmanabh Mafatlal Group, to manufacture Honeywell's Solstice zd, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that has various applications, including blowing agents for foam insulation and refrigeration liquid for chillers. He is also betting big on the newer opportunities in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) space. " The MRO industry in India is valued at $4 billion and growing at 10%–12% annually. Historically, most MRO work was done abroad due to a smaller domestic market and limited incentives for OEMs. That's now changing as scale and demand grow," Modi said.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$300 electricity bill hike looming for millions as price increases confirmed: ‘Inevitable'
Millions of Australian households will face higher electricity prices in the coming weeks. Major retailers AGL and Origin have confirmed their price changes for customers, and some households will see their bills increase by as much as $300 next year. AGL's prices will increase by 13.5 per cent in New South Wales, 7.8 per cent in South Australia, 7.5 per cent in Queensland and 6.8 per cent in Victoria from July 1. NSW customers will see their bills go up by as much as an extra $300 a year, based on medium usage. The average increase across all NSW customers will be $267, according to the retailer. Meanwhile, South Australia customers will see an average $200 increase, Queensland $155 and Victoria $110. RELATED Aussie mum's $1,200 electricity bill shock sparks warning for millions ATO superannuation warning as deadline for $30,000 deduction approaches Rare $2 coins worth up to $350 amid huge spike in demand Origin will raise its prices by an average of 9.1 per cent in NSW, 5.5 per cent in South Australia, and 3 to 4 per cent in Queensland. Electricity charges for Victoria have not been locked in yet, but gas will cost the average Victorian household an additional $85 a year. Aussie households will receive letters and emails from their energy retailers over the coming weeks ahead of price changes coming into effect from July 1. It follows the decision by the energy regulators to increase the majority of default prices for the year, which will see standard energy plans rise by up to $228. These are contracts offered to customers who can't or don't shop around. While only 10 per cent of customers are on default offers, retailers use the default pricing as a benchmark for their market contracts. The latest price hikes have been blamed on increased network charges, higher costs to serve customers and higher wholesale electricity expenses. The federal government has extended its energy bill relief until the end of the year, with the first $75 quarterly instalment to hit accounts from July 1. The price hikes follow two years of price increases across most networks, with the average annual electricity bill increasing by as much as $360 since June 1, 2023. Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall has urged households to shop around. 'The cold hard truth is that electricity price hikes are pretty much inevitable in states such as NSW, Queensland and South Australia this winter after the regulator approved hikes to the reference prices across all networks in these states,' she said. 'The exact costs for your daily supply charge and electricity rates are up to each provider, however, unless you're on an embedded network or in a state where there are limited options, this is one bill you can, and should, take control of.' Tindall said the reference price could be a good starting point, with providers required to tell you where the cost of your plan sits in relation to it. The greater the difference a plan is below the reference price, the more competitive it is. 'In Sydney, single rate plans are, on average, 7 per cent lower than the reference price, however, there are plans available that are up to 23 per cent lower than the regulator's benchmark,' she said. 'In Brisbane, the gap is even wider, with the average discount listed at 6 per cent, while the highest is 27 per cent.' Australians can use the Australian Energy Regulator's Energy Made Easy comparison website to compare prices. Victorians can use Victorian Energy Compare.
