In Vacy some residents are opposed to a solar farm across 50 hectares that they believe will "industrialise" the quiet, historic village. Australian company Rio Indygen has advised residents it will lodge a development application with Dungog Council, but some residents are concerned it will mean new power lines to connect to the Martins Creek sub-station.

More details is obviously required and the proposal is at a very early stage.

At the national level the Australian Energy Market Commission - which makes the rules governing electricity and natural gas markets - this week opened the door to a cheaper, more efficient and environmentally sensible delivery of energy to regional, rural and remote Australians.

The commission has advised Australian governments that cutting hundreds or thousands of kilometres of poles and wires and allowing stand-alone solar, battery and diesel back up systems to smaller communities would be cheap, clean, safe and more reliable.

While the number of potential customers and sites is relatively low, reducing the provision and maintenance of poles and wires to distant sites means savings for all energy users, the commission said.

The commission's recommendation to governments is seen as a significant shift by an Australian regulator after years of lobbying by Energy Networks Australia, representing electricity and gas transmission businesses, the Alternative Energy Association and Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

The case for a shift away from centralised energy to the use of new energy technology to create micro grids was illustrated by Essential Energy, which said it costs up to $25,000 per customer annually to clear vegetation from poles and wires in some areas. Essential also points to one service requiring 1905 kilometres of lines to service 335 customers.

While the politics of energy in Australia remain as fraught as ever, industry, technology, the market and consumers are innovating. The hope is energy politics will eventually see the light.

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