Meridian Energy, a state-owned utility across the Tasman, is pushing forward on the oft-delayed 131 MW Mt Mercer wind farm without a power purchase agreement as it sets its sights on building a vertically integrated renewable energy business. Already the company has launched a trial of its online electricity retail offering in Victoria - Powershop - and if it goes well, a national rollout is on the cards.

It is a sign of growing frustration amongst indepedent power producers, who can see the need for new projects to meet the renewable energy target, but have been unable to... [continue via Web link]