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Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
AGL Energy buys South Australia's Virtual Power Plant from Tesla
July 4 (Reuters) - AGL Energy ( opens new tab said on Friday it had acquired South Australia's Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) from Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab, as the Australian power retailer looks to ramp up its battery storage capacity to drive green energy transition. The deal comes as AGL seeks to fulfil its promise of exiting coal-fired generation and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035, targeting 1.4 gigawatts of grid-scale battery storage projects in the next year. The acquisition of SAVPP, one of the largest virtual power plants in Australia, will allow AGL to access a network of residential solar and battery systems comprising of about 7,000 Powerwall home batteries, with more expected to be installed this year. SAVPP is a network of solar and Powerwall home battery systems, installed on South Australian social and community housing which will now be owned by AGL. Under the program, customers will receive significantly discounted energy prices and the company will be exploring ways to expand the program to more users, it said in a statement. "We know that upfront costs of installing solar and batteries can be a significant barrier for many, and we are focused on how we can make these more accessible," AGL Chief Customer Officer Jo Egan said. The solar and battery assets under the program will be coordinated to work together, and also used to help stabilise the electricity grid where required, the company said. The company did not disclose the value of the deal, while electric vehicle maker Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments on the deal value.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Cops swoop on $3million 'Chinese blessing' scam targeting vulnerable Aussies in Sydney and Melbourne
An elderly woman is the latest victim of a 'disgraceful' spiritual blessing scam defrauding dozens of people out of priceless jewels and thousands of dollars. NSW Police arrested a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport on Thursday night before taking her to Mascot Police Station. She is accused of defrauding a 77-year-old woman out of $130,000 in cash and jewellery in Parramatta, in the city's west, in June. Detective Superintendent Guy Magee told a press conference on Friday that police believed over 50 people were involved in the scam in Sydney and Melbourne. He said the men act as the coordinators, while the women are tasked with convincing victims their wealth needed to be blessed to protect their families from spirits. Supt Magee said the syndicate was 'targeting the entire east coast'. 'The offending could be double what we think,' he told reporters. 'There is an element of shame and humiliation for the victims... please don't be [ashamed] and let us stand alongside you. 'We're also calling out to the younger generations of these Asian communities to tell their parents and grandparents about this scam. 'Tell them they shouldn't be talking to strangers or taking them back to their homes. 'Tell them not to follow anyone to a herbal or spiritual healer.' Police said it is the latest example of a scam aimed at people of Asian backgrounds, where alleged offenders 'exploit cultural fears'. 'Once the scammers are in possession of their money and valuables including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged not to open the bags for an extended time,' police said. A police Strike Force has been in operation since April, investigating alleged blessing scams across Sydney since 2023. Police have received reports of more than 80 incidents in that time and say the scams have netted a cool $3million in cash and valuables. The 63-year-old woman arrested on Thursday was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, participating in a criminal group, and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal. She was set to face Parramatta Local Court on Friday after being denied police bail.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Unbelievable twist as aspiring businessman, 21, is stabbed to death in the driveway of suburban home while girlfriend watched on in horror - as cops reach a terrifying conclusion
Police have said there is no clear motive for the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Luke Manassa and are looking at the possibility of a mistaken identity case, as two teenagers are charged over what officers believe may have been a contract killing. Luke Manassa, 21, and his girlfriend arrived at a home on Driftway Drive in Pemulwuy, greater western Sydney, on June 26 where he was allegedly ambushed and attacked. Two unknown men, dressed in dark clothing and disguises, allegedly stabbed the 21-year-old entrepreneur with hunting-style knives, NSW Police said. It is alleged Mr Manassa then got back into his car and drove a short distance before being overcome by his injuries. Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teenagers over the fatal stabbing of a man in Pemulwuy last week. The squad's commander, Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi told reporters on Friday it was believed to be a botched killing. 'We believe that these these young offenders were contracted by someone to conduct this killing,' he said, adding that the alleged intent was murder. 'We don't know who those people are, or if they're involved with any particular organized crime group.' 'I can indicate that, by the way this offense was executed by these two young persons, it was very amateurish, which certainly assisted our investigation,' he said. Emergency services were called to the home at about 10.45pm that evening regarding reports that a man had been stabbed. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr Manassa but he could not be revived and died at the scene. Strike Force Hickety was established and, on Thursday at about 6am, detectives carries out searches in South Penrith, Mt Druitt, and Woodcroft. In South Penrith, police arrested a 17-year-old boy who was taken to Penrith Police Station. He has been charged with murder and failure to comply with digital evidence access order direction. The teen was on bail at the time and police allege that, at the time of the incident, he had a curfew in place. Officers also arrested a 16-year-old boy in Mt Druitt, who was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with murder. Both are linked to western Sydney street gangs and were refused bail. They are due to appear in children's court on Friday. During the search warrant in Woodcroft, police seized what they will allege was used as the getaway car from a separate residence. Two knives have also been seized. The investigation continues. No motive has been established so far. Det. Supt. Doueihi said Mr Manassa was not adversely known to the NSW Police but the occupants of the home were. The young man would visit there occasionally. 'This could well be a case of mistaken identity,' he said. 'It's probably too early at this stage to absolutely confirm that Luke was a mistaken identity, but (it's) certainly heading towards that.' Mr Manassa's family own a demolition company and the aspiring businessman had studied property economics at UTS. He described himself as a young businessman on a podcast last year and discussed his entrepreneurial endeavors and 'side hustles' like selling designer sneakers. 'I knew what I wanted to do for a long time. I wasn't concerned with much else,' he said. Basketball club Inner West Bulls also said their thoughts were with Ms Manassa's family. 'We remember Luke not only for his talent, but for the kindness, energy, and brotherhood he brought to the team,' the Facebook post said. 'He was a valued member of the Bulls - strong, kind, and respected by all who knew him. We will carry your memory on the court, always. 'You will be deeply missed by the entire Bulls community.' It comes nearly two months after innocent plumber John Versace, 23, was shot dead as he got out of his ute at his family's home in Dalton Avenue in Condell Park, in Sydney's south-west, about 10.30pm on May 19. The shooter unloaded about 10 rounds of bullets, with Mr Versace suffering four gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach. He died at the scene. Det. Supt. Doueihi said on Friday that Mr Manassa's killing was indicative of violence on Sydney's streets. 'More broadly, we're seeing some very young people being involved in very horrific crimes across Sydney,' he said.
