The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has measures in place to maintain reliable electricity supply.
However, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of NSW including Sydney, AEMO is forecasting that the reserve of electricity supply will be under pressure. AEMO forecasts power use in NSW to peak between 5pm and 9pm.
To prepare for this, AEMO has notified market participants, which may result in increased generation or reduced consumption.
The NSW Government is also taking steps to reduce demand. The Government Energy Action Response protocol has been activated and will see NSW Government agencies reduce electricity use.
Agencies will reduce air conditioning where safe and feasible, switch off non-essential lights and turn off equipment when not in use.
As a precaution, the NSW Government is also encouraging the community to reduce energy use between 5pm and 9pm, where it’s possible and safe to do so.
There are several simple ways to reduce energy usage late this afternoon:
- If you are using air-conditioning, raise the set point temperature to between 24 and 26 degrees. Each degree reduces energy use by around 10%.
- Reduce use of non-essential appliances. Use dishwashers, washing machines and dryers late at night or wait until the morning.
- If you have a pool, temporarily turn off the pool pump.
Reducing electricity use must not compromise health. Community members are assured they should use air-conditioning if it’s needed.
If you suffer from a medical condition and could be affected by the heat visit the NSW Health website for tips on how to keep safe.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:
“The NSW Government has worked closely with AEMO and network operators to prepare for this El Nino summer. Today’s events are an opportunity to put these arrangements in place.
“With the community and the NSW Government working together during hot weather we can help minimise the risk of disruption to the energy grid.
“Nobody should turn off an appliance they need. Instead, we’re asking households to make small changes to the way they use non-essential appliances, to make a big difference to demand on the network and power bills.”
