Solar power 'putting the squeeze' on electricity demand
15th Aug 2012
Solar power may be starting to put the squeeze on electricity, with a new report claiming demand for grid services are on the wane.
The National Electricity Market (NEM) survey, compiled by the Australian Market Energy Operator (AEMO), made it clear that investment for new base load generation - that's boosting power plant production to you and me - has been deferred for up to four years.
Predictions that usage figures would be down were made by AEMO in a forecasting report in June.
Managing director of AEMO Matt Zema was clear on where a lot of this money is currently going.
He said: "Investment across the Australian energy sector is being buoyed by interest in renewable technologies."
And according to Dr Hugh Saddler, a consultant at engineering consultancy Pitt and Sherry, solar power is high on the list, particularly when it comes to residential applications.
Talking to ABC News, he stated: "There are more small renewable power stations in our basements and on our roofs - small-scale solar energy [and] photovoltaic cells on roofs of houses and other buildings."
Dr Saddler noted that many householders are becoming more energy efficient, meaning a few changes around the home could see them pocketing some extra cash.
Posted by Mike Peacock
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Solar Power