News

8 April 2019

Confusion Alert!

South Australia now has TWO household battery schemes. The first, the “Virtual Power Plant” scheme, launched last February by the then-Labor government, involves the installation of solar systems and Tesla Powerwall batteries. This scheme is being trialled in selected Housing SA properties, with a view to eventually extending it through all suitable Housing SA properties and then to the general public.

8 April 2019

Brand New Telecommunications Training

In light of increasing costs of telecommunication services and confusion for consumers about the types of plans available and less than transparent billing practices, ConnectEd is now offering community worker training and public information sessions on mobile and internet services.

8 April 2019

The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Controlled Load

ConnectEd workers have noticed a spike in reports of missing off peak controlled load. Controlled load, also called “dedicated” or “ancillary” load, “off-peak”, or "OPCL" (Off-Peak Controlled Load), is commonly used to power electric storage hot water systems – any tank of 125 litres or larger.

23 July 2018

Consumer Tips: Solar Power Calculators

We recommend energymadeeasy.gov.au as an energy contract comparison tool. However, householders with solar systems note that it does have a significant failing – its calculation of estimated contract costs does not take solar export feed-in tariff payments into account – and these credits can make a big difference to the bill.

23 July 2018

Mobile Phone Plans and Digital Inclusion

A recent survey reported in iTWire found Australians currently pay $44 a month on average for their mobile phone plans, down from $48 in 2017. This figure puts the total expenditure in Australia at $9 billion a year. No wonder there are more and more telco providers entering the industry, trying to get a share of the market.

23 July 2018

Free Home Energy Visits

ConnectEd has experienced Energy Workers who can provide community members with home energy audits and give tailored energy advice.