Afternoon Blackout Risk Rises with Spring Heatwave
The energy regulator is working to secure electricity supplies after issuing a warning of a potential blackout as the east coast experiences a late spring heatwave.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a severe “lack of reserve” notice, predicting a shortage of electricity in New South Wales (NSW) between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
This time frame aligns with the peak of the heatwave in the state, with temperatures nearing 40C in many of Sydney’s western suburbs, prompting residents to use their air conditioners upon returning home in the afternoon.
The directive urges the industry to generate maximum power and restore all available powerlines across the grid to meet the increasing demand.
“AEMO is collaborating with the industry to ensure electricity reliability during high-demand, heatwave conditions in NSW, with major power stations offline due to forced and planned outages,” a spokesperson for the operator stated.
“Additionally, AEMO is seeking additional reserves to effectively address the low electricity supply forecasts for this afternoon and early evening.”
Related Stories
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe heatwave warnings for various parts of the NSW coast, including Sydney, the Hunter region, and the south coast.
Warnings are also in place for parts of ACT and Queensland, with an extreme heatwave warning for the far-north tip of Australia.
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen reassured that there is enough reserve electricity to last through Wednesday, noting that the system is functioning as intended.
He mentioned that five coal-plant units are offline, with expectations of only three of those remaining out of service.
“Loss-of-reserve notices do not equate to a blackout; they indicate that AEMO is increasing electricity supply into the system, which is effective,” he explained.
“AEMO is constantly monitoring for unforeseen events and has implemented necessary measures to address any potential issues at this time.”
While Sydney’s city center is expected to reach 34C on Wednesday, the western suburbs will experience higher temperatures, with forecasts of 39C in Richmond and Penrith, and a peak of 38C in Parramatta.
These forecasts for western Sydney are more than 10C above the November average maximum temperatures, according to senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the weather bureau.
“Although these temperatures are unusually high, they are not expected to break any records. The prolonged warm conditions, including warm nights, are of greater significance,” she said.
“Additionally, ‘feels like’ temperatures will be oppressive due to the high humidity levels.”
Rain is expected to arrive in eastern NSW on Thursday, though warm and humid conditions will persist.
