Looming blackout threat with upcoming heatwave exposed—are you prepared?

As the mercury soars and the sun beats down with an intensity that heralds the arrival of summer, residents are bracing themselves for more than just the heat.

The season's first significant heatwave is set to coincide with outages at big coal-fired power stations, raising the spectre of blackouts across the state.


The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has issued multiple 'lack of reserve' (LOR) alerts for NSW and Queensland, indicating that power supplies will become 'tight.'

A LOR3 alert, the highest level, was initially forecast for NSW on Wednesday afternoon, only to be replaced by another LOR3 warning for Thursday.


1732586400479.png
New South Wales and Queensland faced a high blackout risk due to heatwaves and coal-fired power station outages. Credit: iStock


NSW faced the possibility of an 'interrupted supply,' or blackouts, with a potential shortfall of 205 megawatts at peak times.

The critical period identified was between 3 pm and 4 pm AEDT on Thursday, when demand may outstrip supply without further market responses.

AEMO has been proactive, alerting the energy industry and working with power station operators and transmission businesses to boost electricity availability.


However, if the market's response falls short, AEMO has indicated it will take 'actions' to ensure supply.

Queensland is not immune to these challenges, with inadequate reserves flagged for periods stretching from afternoon to evening.

This highlighted the broader issue that south-eastern Australia faced its most extensive heat belt, with almost six gigawatts of coal-fired power stations unavailable due to maintenance.

Energy specialist Dylan McConnell from the University of NSW points out that about half of the unavailable coal capacity is due to scheduled maintenance, which is typical in the lead-up to summer.

However, the window for maintenance may be shrinking as hot days extend further into the shoulder seasons, necessitating power availability throughout the year.


Even without blackouts, NSW and Queensland can expect volatile pricing in the wholesale power market.

This volatility reminds us of the complex interplay between our energy infrastructure and the unpredictable nature of the climate.

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has urged caution, advising the public to take care of themselves in the heat and to be mindful of their power usage.

Simple measures like staying hydrated, checking on neighbours, and being sensible about air conditioning and lighting can make a significant difference.

While the immediate concern is the risk of blackouts, the heatwave also elevates fire dangers.


Thankfully, the Rural Fire Service indicates that fire risks in NSW are likely to remain in the 'medium' to 'high' category for now, thanks to light winds and a landscape that has yet to dry out fully.

Temperature records have already been broken in parts of Australia, with Coonawarra in South Australia and Essendon airport in Victoria experiencing unprecedented November heat.

This extreme weather pattern is becoming more common and serves as a reminder of the changing climate.
Key Takeaways
  • New South Wales and Queensland are facing a high blackout risk due to the season's first major heatwave coinciding with outages at coal-fired power stations.
  • The Australian Energy Market Operator has issued multiple lack of reserve alerts, indicating tight power supplies and the potential for interrupted supply in NSW.
  • Heatwave conditions are expected to intensify in parts of NSW, with western Sydney forecast to approach 40C and the Bureau of Meteorology predicting low- to severe-intensity heatwave conditions in the state.
  • The NSW government is encouraging the public to stay hydrated, check on neighbours, and use electricity wisely during the heatwave while also monitoring power supplies closely.
How are you preparing to save energy during the heatwave? What are you doing to stay safe and informed about possible blackouts? Let us know in the comments below.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nese

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
"NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has urged caution, .... and to be mindful of their power usage." What a ridiculous statement. Does she think we are not mindful of our power usage with the ridiculously high power prices we have to pay? I am on a Smart Meter & now I cook my main meal in the middle of the day instead of the evening to cut costs. I sit with just the light from the TV of an evening & keep the light off in the room to save money. I'm scared to turn the a.c. on as it will send my power bill up to a point I might be in difficulty paying it & she has the gall to suggest that we should be even more "mindful of [our] power usage"!!!
 
Now is the time for solar owners to unite and turn off their solar panels and turn their air conditioners on FULL BLAST. Then and only then we may receive a reasonable feed in tariff change we had when we installed them. Was there not a decision of approval to charge at FEE for those of us who export solar electricity. What was 16.1 cents per kWh now only 8c
 

Attachments

  • IMG_9604.jpeg
    IMG_9604.jpeg
    95.2 KB · Views: 0
This is the silly Australian Government way of reducing your power bills....turn it off, when it's needed most.
Thanks Albo for ensuring that we all will benefit from your Governments solar initiative. WTF. As for cheaper power bills.....most here will be long dead before that ever happens if Labor has anything to do with it.:unsure:
 
Became self sufficient by buying a battery and solar

Became self sufficient by buying a battery and solar panels
Another person the govt loves as you do their job of providing an essential service to all Australians. Not everyone can afford to buy sufficient panels & a battery to power their home. I bought a portagas stove & pressure lamp so I can cook & see what I am doing.
 
Now is the time for solar owners to unite and turn off their solar panels and turn their air conditioners on FULL BLAST. Then and only then we may receive a reasonable feed in tariff change we had when we installed them. Was there not a decision of approval to charge at FEE for those of us who export solar electricity. What was 16.1 cents per kWh now only 8c
When I put my panels up the feed in tariff was 20c now it is 5c. Meanwhile they charge me 25-38c/kwh. That's price gouging at its best & the govt supports that while at the same time saying they are going to prevent price gouging by the supermarkets. They should get their own house in order first & start paying us at least 75% of the retail price for our feed ins. Then I might believe that they might be justified in trying to do something about supermarket prices.
 
With soaring heat predicted and soaring electricity prices that pensioners can no longer afford. Why is the government wanting everyone to convert their housing to all electric. What happens when we have power blackouts?
You get very hot in the daytime or sit in the dark at night. That's why I bought a portagas stove and a pressure lamp. Now I can cook whenever the lights go out & I can see what I am doing.
 
It really amazes me that we are facing blackouts when so many people are on solar now. If people are using their solar or feeding it back into the grid, why is there a crisis with power.
I understand that we use power when it's not daylight but isn't that power stored for nighttime hours?
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Get a generator it will power up a few things
We are all good if blackout occurs but I just don't understand how this works. If less people are using the non solar system why are there still problems with excess solar in storage. Just trying to understand how it works.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
This is the silly Australian Government way of reducing your power bills....turn it off, when it's needed most.
Thanks Albo for ensuring that we all will benefit from your Governments solar initiative. WTF. As for cheaper power bills.....most here will be long dead before that ever happens if Labor has anything to do with it.:unsure:
Can't blame Albo has I'm 70 and we have had blackout in summer for as long as I can remember. No government who has been in power have done anything about upgrading electricity to cope with the growing population.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Now is the time for solar owners to unite and turn off their solar panels and turn their air conditioners on FULL BLAST. Then and only then we may receive a reasonable feed in tariff change we had when we installed them. Was there not a decision of approval to charge at FEE for those of us who export solar electricity. What was 16.1 cents per kWh now only 8c
Yep they advertised that those who installed solar panels would get such a rebate on their feed in Tariff....then the Electricity companies saw how much was being paid out to customers and they gradually reduced it to what it is today....a measly pittance....for customers helping out with their excess power accumulation. The Government and the Power Companies really have misled all of the Australians who have converted to solar power at great expense to themselves. Just another heap of lies and a selfish money grab by Government and Big business.
 
if you voted labour you deserve Bowen the clown and his counterparts.
Yep they advertised that those who installed solar panels would get such a rebate on their feed in Tariff....then the Electricity companies saw how much was being paid out to customers and they gradually reduced it to what it is today....a measly pittance....for customers helping out with their excess power accumulation. The Government and the Power Companies really have misled all of the Australians who have converted to solar power at great expense to themselves. Just another heap of lies and a selfish money grab by Government and Big business.
Phuckem all bar six, use them as pall bearers, then they can go phuck themsilves.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×