8155.0 - Australian Industry, 2007-08 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/05/2009   
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ENERGY SURVEY, 2007-08

Please note that this datacube is associated with the publication 8155.0 Australian Industry, 2007-08. The estimates presented here have been compiled using data, from survey questionnaires and other ABS sources, which are additional to the data used in compiling the estimates in that publication, and using different methodology. This methodology has allowed estimates of electricity and gas production, transmission and distribution to be presented together with detailed financial estimates for the associated industries.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CHAIN

The following flowchart shows the electricity supply chain and the relationship between the data items presented.

The supply of electricity begins with generation in power stations. Electricity generators are usually located near fuel sources, such as coalmines, natural gas pipelines and hydro-electric water reservoirs. Most electricity customers, however, are located a long distance from electricity generators, in cities, towns and regional communities. The supply chain, therefore, requires networks to transmit power from generators to customers.The supply chain is completed by retailers who buy wholesale electricity and package it with transmission and distribution services for sale to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Electricity supply chain diagram

INTRODUCTION

DATA ITEMS

Table 5 provides quantity estimates for 2007-08 of electricity generated, transmitted and distributed together with the income generated by these activities.

Table 6 provides quantity estimates for 2007-08 of how electricity is distributed by customer type.

Detailed financial estimates are provided, for 2006-07 and 2007-08, for the following ANZSIC groups;

  • 261 Electricity generation
  • 262 Electricity transmission
  • 263 Electricity distribution
  • 264 On selling electricity and electricity market operation

GLOSSARY

For definitions of other data items, not specific to the Energy Survey, please see the main Glossary from the Explanatory Notes tab.

Distribution: Distribution networks move electricity from transmission networks to residential and business customers. A distribution network consists of the poles, underground channels and wires that carry electricity, as well as substations, transformers, switching equipment, and monitoring and signalling equipment. While electricity moves along transmission networks at high voltages to minimise energy losses, it must be stepped down to lower voltages in a distribution network for safe use by customers.

End user: Defined as a customer who is supplied electricity directly from the generator, transmitter or distributor.

Generation: A generator creates electricity by using energy to turn a turbine, which makes large magnets spin inside coils of conducting wire. In Australia, electricity is mainly produced by burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, to create pressurised steam. The steam is forced through a turbine at high pressure to drive the generator. Other types of generators rely on the heat emitted through a nuclear reaction, or renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind or the flow of water to generate electricity.

Gigawatt hour: Unit of electrical energy equal to one billion (109) watt hours, one thousand megawatt hours, 3.6 terajoules, or 3.41 billion British thermal units (Btu). Abbreviated as GWh.

Industrial/Commercial: Customers whose electricity is consumed during their involvement or engagement in business or industry.

Losses: The physical losses in the transport of electricity over distances.

Onselling: The retail market is the final link in the electricity supply chain. It provides the main interface between the electricity industry and customers, such as households and small businesses. Retailers buy electricity in the wholesale market and package it with transportation for sale to customers. Many retailers also sell ‘dual fuel’ products that bundle electricity and gas services.

Other connections: Is defined as self-supply, e.g. to a power plant owned by distribution business.

Public Lighting: Includes lighting for all situations on public property e.g. street lighting.

Residential: Customers who consume electricity within a private residence, usually serving as a dwelling or home.

Street Lighting: Use of electricity for public street lighting.

TNSP: Transmission Network Service Provider.

Transmission: Transmission networks transport electricity from generators to distribution networks. In a few cases, large businesses such as aluminium smelters are directly connected to the transmission network. A transmission network consists of towers and the wires that run between them, underground cables, transformers, switching equipment, reactive power devices, and monitoring and telecommunications equipment.

METHODOLOGY

The Energy Survey was conducted as a census (by ANZSIC and activity) of all businesses involved with electricity generation, transmission, distribution or onselling. Units engaged in the generation of electricity, and which were associated with mining activities i.e. generation for own use, were excluded.

The majority of electricity generated production data was obtained using data from the 07-08 ABS Quarterly Commodities produced, refer 8301.0.55.001 Manufacturing Production, Australia.

COMPARABILITY OF DATA

The Energy Survey was conducted for 2007-08 only. The quantity and financial data in tables 5 and 6 are based on exactly the same scope, and are produced as a census of all in-scope businesses.

The detailed financial data provided at the ANZSIC class level for 2006-07 and 2007-08 are based on data produced from the Economic Activity Survey for those respective years to enable a comparable time series to be produced. As the Economic Activity Survey is based purely on ANZSIC classification there are small scope differences between the two surveys for 2007-08, and the methodology is also different. Consequently, there can be differences between the financial data in Table 1 and that shown in the detailed class tables for 2007-08.