[LINK] Electricity prices

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Michael Skeggs mike at bystander.net wrote:
> The full report has graphs showing both Australia's position against
> other countries on a dollar for dollar basis, and in terms of PPP.
> http://www.euaa.com.au/whats_new/index.htm
> In both cases, the average Australian price is pretty much what the
> rest of the OECD is paying for power, with the exception of North
> America, which has considerably lower power prices.
> 

Retail electricity (and gas) prices in Australia are regulated by each
state. The OECD prices are probably a major consideration in setting the 
price.

After operational costs (including buying power) -  Revenue from retail 
customers may go as profits to government or be invested in maintenance of 
network - I suspect the maintenance isn't as good as it should be - but the 
efficiency of the network may improve if the cost of generated power goes 
up and eats into profits.
<http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home>

Competition should keep the generators honest. Curiously, "green" power has
been charged at a premium. Though ofcourse this should encourage more
responsible use and I emphasise total use/reduction rather than efficiency.

For example compare life expectancy (embedded resources) and energy use of
LED Lighting to T8/T5 Flourescent Tubes.
<http://ramin.com.au/eco-sydney/LED-vs-T8-vs-T5.shtml>

The energy use of different size fridges, differently designed buildings
etc. eg
3 star 50l Fridge 146kWh/year
3.5 star 227l 273kWh/year...
<http://ramin.com.au/eco-sydney/energy-ratings-use.shtml>

I expect the transmission and distribution of electricity is a bigger thing
than it was in the past. For example, the white bay power station was built
to provide power for sydney trams. It was located in close proximity to the
Balmain coal and where the power was used.
<http://ramin.com.au/eco-sydney/white-bay-power-station-rozelle.shtml>

For a bit about the history of electricity in Sydney (and probably
Australia) see <http://ramin.com.au/annandale/story4-electricity.shtml>

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
Ramin Communications (Sydney)
Website: http://ramin.com.au
Phone:(+612) 0414-869202