Big batteries for the ‘heavy lifting’ as cold snap hits
The more clean energy in the nation's network, the better it will be for power bills and keeping the lights on, experts say, despite a lull during a cold snap.
consumers
Porsche to put brakes on 1600 luxury electric vehicles
More than 1600 high-end electric sports cars have been recalled over a safety issue, in the second electric car recall in a week.
Why Aussie garages could power homes around the nation
Plans are advancing to allow electric vehicle batteries to save Australian homes from blackouts and other power emergencies, but a few hurdles remain.
Doctors call for AI rules to prevent medical mistakes
Doctors and nurses are using AI tools in patient settings daily, an inquiry has heard, even though the technology falls outside regulations.
‘Game changer’, cash-free charging trial for EV drivers
A major electric car-charging network will test cashless payment technology in what's being hailed as a game changer for EV drivers.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
government
natural gas
politics
Gridlock on new energy transmission adds to bill shock
Delays for energy transmission projects over the past decade, under both major parties, are adding to power bills and making the nation's network less reliable.
Banks lashed for ripping off poorer customers
The market watchdog has slammed four major banks for causing financial distress to more than two million Australians by systematically overcharging on fees.
Smart meters to keep the lights on, one home at a time
Some $50 million for the latest home energy tech aims to help consumers save money by controlling car charging, solar panels, batteries, hot water and aircon.
auto trends
automotive equipment
construction and property
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
environmental issue
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Old apartment blocks struggling to support EV take-up
More Australians are buying electric cars but experts warn millions of apartment dwellers may delay making purchases if they can't charge the vehicles at home.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
Watchdog warning ends Google deal with Telstra, Optus
Telstra and Optus have agreed to stop accepting payments from Google under deals to pre-install the tech giant's search software as default on their phones.
breaking_news
business (general)
business enterprises
consumers
internet
it/computer sciences
mass media
media
online
technology (general)
Telstra, Optus end Google deals after watchdog warning
Internet behemoth Google paid Australia's top two telcos to be the default search engine on Android phones for seven years, the competition watchdog has found.
Why Australian news could be banned from Facebook again
Banishing Australian news content from Facebook could devastate media outlets and disadvantage audiences, an inquiry into social media has heard.
Any power cost reductions must flow to households: ACCC
Aussies are using less power and producing more rooftop solar to cope with energy costs, the consumer watchdog finds, urging retailers to share cost reductions.
consumer goods
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
consumers
fire
recalls (products)
safety of citizens
science and technology
technology (general)
Virtual reality tech, batteries named in safety probe
Battery-powered products and new kinds of consumer gadgets will be closely examined by Australia's consumer watchdog as a top priority.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
nuclear power
politics
Aussies cooking with gas not nuclear under network plan
Renewable energy and more gas is the cheapest way to power a net-zero economy, with electricity demand tipped to double by 2050 as homes and cars go electric.
Hundreds of high-end EVs recalled over battery fault
More than 1400 luxury electric vehicles have been recalled in Australia over a fault that the regulator warns could cause serious accidents.
Riders urged to recycle e-bike batteries amid fire risk
Australia's battery recycling scheme has started accepting lithium batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters and is urging riders to research their disposal.
Australia’s organic rules a hot mess for consumers
Australia's regulation of organic products is laughable by world standards and the result is a legion of confused consumers, advocates for change say.
computing and information technology
consumers
internet
online
politics (general)
science and technology
social issue
social issues (general)
social problems
technology (general)
Lies, bad ads, no rules – social media under scrutiny
Academics at six universities are teaming up to create a national body to investigate online misinformation, social media risks and missing regulations.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Not the size of the energy build, but how we use it
Many households are reducing their carbon footprint but without efficient homes or smart meters they may not be getting the best value out of clean energy.
computing and information technology
consumer goods
consumers
data protection
internet
online
personal data collection
research and development
science and technology
technology (general)
Why all smartphones are adding artificial intelligence
Apple has revealed plans to put ChatGPT in iPhones and, with Google and Samsung embracing AI tools, experts say they will soon be ubiquitous.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric cars are not the only fix for green transport
Governments will need to look at more than just electric vehicles to make significant transport emission cuts, modelling from Monash University says.
Australian workers lead AI race but do not trust it
More office workers are testing artificial intelligence technology in Australia than in many other nations, a survey has found, but most do not trust it.
computing and information technology
consumers
election
internet
it/computer sciences
national elections
online
science and technology
technology (general)
Voters want a ban on AI election ads to stop deepfakes
Most Australians worry artificial intelligence technology will be used to mislead voters and would like to see it banned from political ads.
Oh what a feeling! Toyota petrol cars end of the road
Australia's most popular vehicle brand has announced plans to discontinue sales of nine petrol models in favour of hybrid cars due to rising demand.
breaking_news
business (general)
business enterprises
civil
civil rights
computer crime
consumers
fine
private health care
safety of citizens
technology (general)
Medibank could face $21.5 trillion fine over data theft
The Australian Information Commissioner will take Medibank to court over a 2022 data breach, seeking penalties that could reach into the trillions of dollars.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
economy (general)
environmental pollution
road transport
sales
transport
Aussies spend big on cars but choose fuel-saving models
Australian drivers bought a record number of new vehicles in May, with many choosing to reduce their fuel costs by choosing hybrid and electric models.
How green is your transport? Uber to rate your rides
Uber will give users more than a passenger rating in future, revealing plans to estimate the carbon emissions they save by choosing electric and hybrid cars.
banking
construction and property
consumers
economy, business and finance
electrical appliance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
finance (general)
politics
Green bank unlocks cheap loans for home energy upgrades
Some $60 million in cheap loans is up for grabs as part of a $1 billion federal fund to encourage homeowners to install solar panels and batteries.
LG battery recall ramps up as 4400 homes remain at risk
Faulty solar batteries that have caused house fires are still being used in thousands of Australian homes, forcing LG to intensify recall efforts.