Cost has always been one of the major factors people point to when discussing renewable energy. While the environmental implications are very important, the price also affects how viable a power source is for the larger community.

Independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker recently released a report that found that the cost of renewable energy is lower than the previous cost-effective option, coal.

For years, coal was relied upon as an affordable way to bring power to millions of people. In the United States, nine out of every 10 tonnes of coal mined was consumed to generate electricity. Coal makes up 73% of the resources used to produce electricity across Australia. Natural gas comes in second with a mere 13%.

A total of 78 countries around the globe used coal for energy in 2019. That was up from 66 countries in 2000.

With so many regions reliant on coal, it can be a hard sell to switch to an alternative. However, according to the Carbon Tracker website, “coal developers risk wasting more than $600 billion because it is already cheaper to generate electricity from renewables than from new coal plants in all major markets.”

Out with the Coal and In with the Renewables

Many communities are faced with a decision: continue using coal or invest in renewable technology. Some speculate that it might be cheaper to build new sustainable energy facilities over the next decade rather than continue operating existing coal power stations.

The report also called for policymakers to stop investing in coal and to begin redesigning regulations in the power market. The goal should focus on minimising stranded asset risk but to also accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy.

A world map was included that highlights the countries where renewable energy is cheaper to use than coal. The list includes Russia, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, India, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Despite the signing of the Paris Agreement, coal still features prominently in the energy market. This stems from its availability and low cost. Millions of tonnes sit underground while powerful companies backed by governments try to take advantage of this otherwise unhealthy resource.

The shortcomings of wind and solar also work to coal’s advantage. Wind requires a breeze while solar needs the sun to shine to work. However, improved technology has increased efficiency and minimised the impact of these problems. When coupled with the lower cost, renewables become a strong contender against previous heavyweight coal.

Renewable Energy at Home

You have the option to decide how you want to power your home. Solar systems are more affordable than ever and can be installed on-site so you don’t have to rely on delivery from the grid. 

Connect Electric can help you learn more about why renewable energy is a better alternative to harmful fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Contact us today to discuss your electricity needs and to find out how solar can help you stop relying on coal.

The majority of Australians use some amount of electricity on an average day. This is usually a safe, mundane activity we don’t think much about. However, when not installed correctly, electrical equipment can be a hazard. That’s why there are regulations and rules in place that provide guidelines for safe installation and use.

This is where electrical inspections come in. If you are planning to build a new structure, update an old structure, or make changes to your home, then you may need to schedule an inspection. The following list outlines situations that require an electrical inspection by a licensed professional.

• Updating Old Wiring – If you are replacing wiring in your home, then you should have an electrical inspection done. A professional can verify that everything is compliant with regulations, and all safety precautions are in place. This is especially true for older homes where most or all wiring is being updated.
• Prepping for Storms – Storms can cause lighting and damage to power lines, which can cause power surges and outages. If you want to make your home as safe as possible from electrical storm damage, then have an inspection done. An electrician can make recommendations to lower your risk and protect your home and devices.
• Buying a New Home – You should have an electrician inspect your new home before buying it. They can identify any hidden problems that the sellers may not have mentioned or didn’t know about. These are things that can affect a home’s value as well as safety, which could impact your ability to obtain financing. Know what to expect now so that there are no surprises later.
• Building a New Home – New construction will have to have new wiring installed. It’s great to have brand new equipment and components. An electrical inspection should be scheduled after the work is done and before you move in. This will ensure that no corners were cut, and nothing was overlooked.
• Work That Effects Wiring – If you make renovations or perform other work on your home that affects or involves wiring or electrical components, you may need to have an inspection. This should be done as a precaution to make sure nothing was accidentally damaged, altered, or improperly installed during the project.
• If You Haven’t Had One in a While – It is your duty to make sure that your living space remains safe. Many homeowners schedule regular electrical inspections as part of this process. This will allow you to identify potential problems before they have a chance to damage your property and endanger the lives of those who live there.

Schedule Your Electrical Inspection

Scheduling an electrical inspection should be done in advance when starting any projects or before moving into a new home. You should receive a certificate of compliance from the electrician who completed the work to verify that everything was tested and complies with regulations. Keep this in a safe place to reference in case you need electrical work done in the future.

Choosing the best electrician is very important, no matter how small your project may be. This person will be responsible for doing the work correctly and ensuring safety through each step. 

The first thing you need to do is request quotes from electricians to find someone who can do what you need within your budget. The following list will help you through this process.

Electrical Quote Do’s

• Do Check Their License & Certifications – Electricians in Australia are required to have a valid license to operate. They may also need to have other certifications based on the type of work being done. Make sure the candidates you consider have current licenses and all certifications in the areas required. You may need to do some research, especially for more complex or specialised projects.
• Do Check Their Insurance Coverage – Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about using insurance for anything. However, you must make sure the professional you choose has adequate liability and insurance coverage.

If you don’t, you may be responsible for costs associated with an accident or unforeseen damages. Don’t just ask if they have insurance. Request proof of coverage, and make sure it is valid.

• Do Ask for References – A good electrician should be able to provide a few references or testimonials. Find out what their previous clients thought about their service before you agree to hire.
• Do Ask for an Itemised Quote – An itemised quote will help you break down costs and compare to quotes from other electricians. It’s more transparent, so you are less likely to pay more for something that you shouldn’t.
• Do Ask About Warranties – Ask the electrician if they offer any warranties with their work. They should outline exactly what will be covered, including repairs or additional work in case something fails.

Electrical Quote Don’ts

• Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone – Price is a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at when choosing an electrician. The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Make sure you are getting a good value by balancing cost and quality.
• Don’t Overlook Quote Details – Review the details of the quote before approving any work. Everything should be included with no confusion or missing components.
• Don’t Ignore Questions or Uncertainty – If you have a question or if something isn’t clear on the quote you receive, ask. Never ignore uncertainty. Make sure the professional clarifies things for you or fills in any gaps. It is best to have this in writing, so you both know exactly what is expected and what the project will include or not include.
• Don’t Ignore Regulations – Regulations are necessary to ensure that work is done to Australian standards. Ask the electrician about any regulations that apply. If they miss something or don’t seem to know, this is a big red flag.

A good electrician will make your life easier and your job site safer. Use these do’s and don’ts to evaluate professionals and find someone who offers the best fit for your electrical project.

While there is some crossover between different professions, every trade has a list of essential tools needed to do jobs. That applies to electricians, just like it applies to carpenters and plumbers.

Exactly what is required may vary based on the preferences of the individual. One electrician may rely on a specific tool while another may not. However, certain core tools are a necessity to do the job safely and efficiently. What tools do electricians use the most when they work on your home or business?

• Pliers – Electricians need a quality pair of pliers with comfortable grips. They should open and close easily and smoothly. A professional should own a set of different sizes to ensure that they can accommodate different jobs.

Along with traditional pliers, electricians should also own needle-nose, tongue and groove, and side-cutting pliers.

• Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers – Every electrician should at least have a flathead and Philips head screwdriver on hand. These are needed to remove or install switches, outlets, and cover plates. Some models are manufactured for electrical work, while others are for general use.
• Circuit Finders – Electrical work can present challenges, like figuring out which outlet is connected to which directory. Circuit finders make it possible to trace a circuit and find the answer quickly and safely.
• Wire Strippers – Wire strippers remove insulation from electrical wires. Electricians need their tool to contain a variety of holes designed for different wire sizes. These should also have a comfortable grip for ease of use. Some even include cutting teeth to trim wire ends with the same tool.
• Voltage Testers – Electricity can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know which wires are live and which are not. A voltage tester makes it possible to see if any voltage is in a wire or device. These are a must-have item for electricians.

Non-contact voltage testers are preferred because they can be used without handling the outlet or wire.

• Multimeters – Analog and digital multimeters are available. This tool is used to measure several electrical properties that include resistance, current, voltage, and DC current. Older models can get the job done, but newer multimeters include helpful extras like thermal imaging and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Tape Measures – Tape measures may be basic, but they are something every electrician should own. It’s necessary to plan projects and estimate material needs. Different styles are available, including bulkier, heavy-duty tape measures, and those designed with a compact shape.
• Fish Tape – Fish tape lets electricians route wiring through walls and more. It consists of a slim band of spring steel and can be guided through confined spaces. It retracts into a reel, making it easier to store and carry when not in use.
• Hammers – Hammers are another basic item that is a necessity for electricians and anyone else doing construction work. A claw hammer can add or remove nails and wooden boards.
• Levels – A level will tell you if a structure is plumb before continuing or finishing a job. An uneven surface can cause serious problems later. In other situations, it could be an aesthetic issue. Either way, a professional should always make sure their work is level before they finish or move on.
• Torches – An electrician needs to be able to see what they are doing, even if they are working in a basement, attic, or confined space. A bright torch is needed and should always be accessible, even when working on a job during daylight hours.

This list includes essential items, however additional tools may be needed. Talk to an electrician or check out our other articles to learn more.