Australians warned of power outages as electricity grids won't cope with scorching temperatures
5 years, 7 months ago

Australians warned of power outages as electricity grids won't cope with scorching temperatures

Daily Mail  

Residents on the east coast of Australia are being warned to prepare for power outages if the upcoming summer turns out to be as hot as predicted. Residents on the east coast of Australia are being warned to prepare for power outages if the upcoming summer season turns out to be as hot as predicted The report states a key reason for the risk is the failing reliability of ageing coal-fired power stations, combined with the closure of such plants for environmental reasons. The gradual closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station and a combination of high summer demand and unplanned generator outages will leave NSW 'exposed to significant supply gaps and involuntary load shedding' at peak times unless mitigation is taken in advance. The Australian Energy Market Operator's latest Electricity Statement of Opportunities says a key reason for the risk is the failing reliability of ageing coal-fired power stations. AEMO chief Audrey Zibelman said the outlook report showed the need for 'urgent action and prudent planning and investment 'A more measured course is to take a number of deliberate actions that address the challenges of our ageing coal fleet and which meet the need for secure and dispatchable supply, whilst also taking advantage of Australia's natural resources,' she said.

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History of this topic

Bushfires wreak havoc in West Australia as thousands told it is 'too late' to leave
2 months ago

Bushfires wreak havoc in West Australia as thousands told it is 'too late' to leave

Firstpost  

As per the report, at least two houses had been lost in the fire with authorities warning that more homes can witness a similar fate In this photo released by the State Control Centre, Country Fire Authority personnel watch as smoke billows from an out-of-control bushfire in Grampians National Park, in Victoria state, Australia, Dec. 20, 2024. 05:30 AM - …

Queensland public servants urged to reduce electricity use to avoid forced blackouts
2 months, 1 week ago

Queensland public servants urged to reduce electricity use to avoid forced blackouts

ABC  

Queensland public servants have been urged to reduce electricity consumption to help "avoid forced blackouts in selected suburbs and regions" as the state sweats through a heatwave. Staff were urged to take the voluntary measures in response to an increased risk of power shortages across Queensland, as part of the state's electricity supply emergency response plan. Hot, humid conditions to …

Thousands of Aussies still without power after a fierce heatwave - as cool change brings some welcome relief
3 months, 1 week ago

Thousands of Aussies still without power after a fierce heatwave - as cool change brings some welcome relief

Daily Mail  

Thousands of Aussies have been left in the dark after an intense heatwave saw temperatures soar to 42C and sparked blackouts along the east coast. Almost 5,000 homes in NSW were left without power on Tuesday as residents in western Sydney experienced blistering temperatures in the late 30s. Homes on the Central Coast and in Sydney's northern beaches, northwest and …

NSW's energy supply is 'extremely tight'. Here's how another heatwave could tip it over the edge
4 months ago

NSW's energy supply is 'extremely tight'. Here's how another heatwave could tip it over the edge

ABC  

New South Wales has experienced its first burst of heat this summer season and with it the risk of large-scale power outages to put pressure on the state's energy grid. Victoria Energy Policy Centre director Bruce Mountain said demand and offline generators caused a "supply crunch" which nearly led to the power outages. "I think there is perhaps room for …

Energy market operator warns of potential blackouts across the state, with NSW and Sydney expected to swelter
4 months ago

Energy market operator warns of potential blackouts across the state, with NSW and Sydney expected to swelter

ABC  

NSW is facing heightened blackout warnings with both temperature and energy demands forecasted to soar in the coming days. A severe heatwave impacting the eastern inland of NSW will peak across Sydney through Tuesday and Wednesday when temperatures across the western suburbs are expected to hit close to 40 degrees Celsius — the hottest spring weather seen in four years. …

Australians warned to prepare for fires, cyclones, floods during high-risk season
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Australians warned to prepare for fires, cyclones, floods during high-risk season

China Daily  

CANBERRA -- Australians have been told to prepare for possible cyclones, storms, fires and flooding during the upcoming high-risk weather season. Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister on Tuesday said the federal government is preparing for the worst-case disaster scenarios as the nation heads into warmer months of the year. McAllister said on Tuesday that staff members from the National …

Warnings grow of blackout risks in summers ahead as NSW looks at extending Eraring coal plant
10 months, 1 week ago

Warnings grow of blackout risks in summers ahead as NSW looks at extending Eraring coal plant

ABC  

In short: Energy market operator AEMO has warned delays in transmission projects and looming retirements of coal generators risk blackouts in future. Energy market operator AEMO has warned delays in transmission projects and looming retirements of coal generators risk blackouts in future. The national energy market operator has issued new warnings of possible summer blackouts in coming years, due to …

Hundreds of Victorians remain without power after last week's storms. Some are at relief centres and unable to work
1 year, 1 month ago

Hundreds of Victorians remain without power after last week's storms. Some are at relief centres and unable to work

ABC  

More than a week after deadly storms tore through Victoria, knocking out power to more than half a million customers, the lights are still out in some hard-hit areas of the state. Mr Wood said it could be time to reconsider the cost of burying power lines underground in more bushfire or severe weather prone environments, despite the massive cost. …

NSW braces for energy crunch as heatwave hits - residents urged to power down appliances amid looming electricity shortage
1 year, 3 months ago

NSW braces for energy crunch as heatwave hits - residents urged to power down appliances amid looming electricity shortage

Daily Mail  

NSW residents have been asked to consider turning off their airconditioning, and delay using their dishwashers, washing machines and dryers on Thursday night, with a heatwave straining the state's energy supply. The high temperatures has caused the Australian Energy Market Operator to forecast a forecast Lack of Reserve 2 for NSW, which warns of a 'significant reduction' in predetermined electricity …

Australia at heightened risk of blackouts this summer with 'extreme' demand for power pushing grid to the brink
1 year, 4 months ago

Australia at heightened risk of blackouts this summer with 'extreme' demand for power pushing grid to the brink

ABC  

A scorching hot summer could see demand for electricity spike to a once-in-a-decade high, we're being warned, increasing the risk of blackouts, and forced power outages across the country. "This year's summer forecast is for hot and dry El Niño conditions, increasing the risk of bushfires and extreme heat, which could see electricity demand reach a 1-in-10-year high across the …

A blistering heat wave is turning up the pressure on Texas’ power grid
1 year, 9 months ago

A blistering heat wave is turning up the pressure on Texas’ power grid

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — On another 100-degree day in Texas, Sean Whitaker lingered outside a Dallas cafe after polishing off an iced coffee, having switched off the power to everything back home except his refrigerator. As an unrelenting heat wave grips Texas for a second week, public appeals to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities have come with another ask of …

Queensland weather pushes power grid to the limit as BOM warns of ongoing heatwave
2 years, 1 month ago

Queensland weather pushes power grid to the limit as BOM warns of ongoing heatwave

ABC  

Queensland is predicted to reach a new record for electricity demand this evening as the state’s heatwave intensifies. Key points: Energy minister says there will be enough power to keep the lights on South-easterly change to sweep away hot, humid air mass by Sunday Some houses will have their power cut for planned work The Australian Energy Market Operator has …

How struggling Aussie families could get hundreds of dollars back on their power bill
2 years, 3 months ago

How struggling Aussie families could get hundreds of dollars back on their power bill

Daily Mail  

Australians seeking power price relief for Christmas are sweating on a key energy meeting between federal, state and territory leaders today amid plans for federally-funded rebates to flow to housholds. Under a plan being hashed out, temporary rebates to households would be funded by the federal government and be issued via state governments in exchange for NSW and Queensland capping …

Chance of California power outages up as heat wave worsens
2 years, 6 months ago

Chance of California power outages up as heat wave worsens

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s chance of power outages will grow in the coming days, as the state prepares to enter the most brutal stretch yet of an ongoing heat wave, officials said Sunday. Grid managers have several options available before power outages, like tapping backup generators, buying more power from other states and using so-called demand response programs, where people …

Consumer confidence in Australia's energy system suffers steepest-ever plunge
2 years, 7 months ago

Consumer confidence in Australia's energy system suffers steepest-ever plunge

ABC  

Confidence in Australia's main electricity market has suffered its sharpest ever collapse as the crisis engulfing the east coast energy industry hits home for consumers. Key points: There are predictions households face multiple price hikes in the coming year amid the energy crisis Experts say the pricing system is "regressive" and that governments need to try to help consumers Confidence …

Dark times: Why Australia has asked its residents to turn off their lights every day for two hours
2 years, 9 months ago

Dark times: Why Australia has asked its residents to turn off their lights every day for two hours

Firstpost  

Shortage of coal, the Russia-Ukraine war and mismanagement of resources has led to concerns that Australia may experience a blackout If things continue as they are, there’s a huge chance that Australia will be plunged into darkness. The country is battling an energy crisis and the situation turned grave on Thursday with Australia’s energy minister Chris Bowen saying people should …

Federal government optimistic east coast blackouts can be avoided today
2 years, 9 months ago

Federal government optimistic east coast blackouts can be avoided today

ABC  

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen is confident the east coast can avoid blackouts and load shedding today, despite further dire warnings about demand for electricity outstripping supply. Key points: Households in NSW and Queensland have been urged to be conscious of their electricity use Chris Bowen said authorities were working to avoid outages He warned Australia was in for a …

Australia's gas crisis is worse than you might think. Industries warn thousands could lose their jobs and consumers will pay more
2 years, 9 months ago

Australia's gas crisis is worse than you might think. Industries warn thousands could lose their jobs and consumers will pay more

ABC  

Australian manufacturers facing massive increases in gas prices are warning they could be forced to shut, with tens of thousands of jobs on the line. Key points: Spot gas prices have quadrupled, putting pressure on energy-intensive businesses Industry groups are calling for federal government intervention Affected businesses say potentially thousands of jobs are on the line Gas prices on the …

Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread
2 years, 11 months ago

Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread

Associated Press  

Power outages from severe weather have doubled over the past two decades across the U.S., as a warming climate stirs more destructive storms that cripple broad segments of the nation’s aging electrical grid, according to an Associated Press analysis of government data. And in fall, West Coast windstorms trigger forced power shutoffs across huge areas to protect against deadly wildfires …

Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread
2 years, 11 months ago

Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Power outages from severe …

Western Power network overwhelmed during WA power outages, review finds
3 years ago

Western Power network overwhelmed during WA power outages, review finds

ABC  

Western Australia's power network was unable to meet demand over the ferociously hot Christmas period last year, leading to outages that affected more than 100,000 people, an independent review has found. Key points: WA sweltered through record-breaking temperatures over the festive season A review found the network was unable to keep up with demand Western Power will implement the review's …

Australian Electricity Market Operator predicts stable supply despite closures of coal-fired power stations
3 years, 6 months ago

Australian Electricity Market Operator predicts stable supply despite closures of coal-fired power stations

ABC  

New battery storage and gas-powered generators have helped bring more reliability to the electricity grid on Australia's east coast, with no issues for electricity supply forecast over the next five years. Key points: The manager of the country's electricity markets has dropped its warning that Australia faces a power supply shortage AEMO says the closure of coal plants in coming …

Another summer of California power outages poses threat to Newsom as he faces recall
3 years, 10 months ago

Another summer of California power outages poses threat to Newsom as he faces recall

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom, center, looks over fire devastation in Brentwood with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, right, and others in 2019. “People will ultimately hold him responsible for the state of California, and if they can’t turn their lights on right around the time they’re voting, they’re going to be thinking about that.” The state’s three largest investor-owned utilities expect to de-energize …

California heat, poor planning led to August power outages
4 years, 2 months ago

California heat, poor planning led to August power outages

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Energy regulators on Wednesday blamed blackouts last summer that affected hundreds of thousands of Californians on poor planning, electrical market problems and an extreme heat wave that blanketed the West. California was sweltering under a “historic” heat wave, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal affecting 32 million residents and the temperature didn’t cool off much …

California grid warns of rotating power outages amid ‘rare and possibly fatal’ heatwave
4 years, 6 months ago

California grid warns of rotating power outages amid ‘rare and possibly fatal’ heatwave

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As a record heat wave …

Falling power use due to coronavirus risks system overload and blackouts, experts warn
4 years, 11 months ago

Falling power use due to coronavirus risks system overload and blackouts, experts warn

ABC  

Falling demand for electricity caused by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic could leave Western Australia's main electricity system at risk of a solar power overload within months, experts have warned. Industry figures say the slump threatens to reduce the demand for electricity from the grid to a level where output from the region's 300,000 household solar panels could …

Solar power contributes to cheaper energy but also 'critical' grid instability, warns ESB
5 years, 1 month ago

Solar power contributes to cheaper energy but also 'critical' grid instability, warns ESB

ABC  

The security and reliability of Australia's power grid is now at a "critical" status, according to a report out this morning from the Energy Security Board, even as power prices start falling. Key points: Electricity prices are forecast to fall more than 7 per cent within a couple of years The Government's Energy Security Board warns that the grid is …

Power prices set to rise and blackouts increase as bushfire seasons become more ferocious
5 years, 2 months ago

Power prices set to rise and blackouts increase as bushfire seasons become more ferocious

ABC  

Australian consumers can expect higher power prices and more frequent power blackouts as fire seasons get longer and blazes more intense. Key points: Rising insurance premiums for power utilities are "undoubtedly" going to be passed on to consumers AER regulations allow for costs for rebuilding infrastructure damaged to be recovered from customers The energy regulator AEMO has called for an …

New front opens in Australia fires as schools closed, power cut
5 years, 4 months ago

New front opens in Australia fires as schools closed, power cut

Al Jazeera  

High temperatures trigger warning of ‘catastrophic’ fires in South Australia as utility cuts power to reduce fire risk. On Wednesday, a fresh battle line was drawn as 50 fires sprung up in South Australia state, where officials lifted the fire danger warning to “catastrophic” as temperatures passed 42 degrees Celsius. “From sunrise until well past midnight, this state is going …

NSW, Victoria warned of summer blackout risk if power supply doesn't improve
5 years, 7 months ago

NSW, Victoria warned of summer blackout risk if power supply doesn't improve

ABC  

More than a million Victorian households are at risk of being without power this summer during extreme heat if coal and gas plants are not returned to service in time for peak periods, the energy market operator has warned. Key points: AEMO report warns Australia's ageing coal fleet is putting power reliability at risk It says up to 1.3 million …

Australia’s energy crisis: Heatwave-struck residents hit with $1.1BILLION power bill
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia’s energy crisis: Heatwave-struck residents hit with $1.1BILLION power bill

Daily Mail  

Heatwave-struck residents across two Australian states were hit with a $1.1 billion bill for just 48 hours' worth of energy last week. Heatwave-struck residents across two Australian states were hit with a $1.1 billion bill for just 48 hours' worth of energy last week Although electricity prices are worked out in advance through hedging contracts, experts have said that consumers …

What caused the blackouts in Melbourne, and do Victorians need to get used to power cuts?
6 years, 2 months ago

What caused the blackouts in Melbourne, and do Victorians need to get used to power cuts?

ABC  

More than 200,000 Victorians lost power on Friday as the state's electricity supply buckled under extreme heat. Victoria's Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said most affected customers had their power interrupted for no more than an hour, but some parts of the state experienced outages of up to two hours. Mr McConnell said Hazelwood's closure had "not particularly" contributed to the …

Extreme heat shouldn't cause blackouts in SA and Victoria despite pressure on system: AEMO
6 years, 2 months ago

Extreme heat shouldn't cause blackouts in SA and Victoria despite pressure on system: AEMO

ABC  

The energy market operator says households in Victoria and South Australia are unlikely to suffer unplanned blackouts today, despite extreme temperatures across both states putting the power system into a "very tight situation" to keep up with demand. Key points: The energy market operator has forecast a tightening of energy supply reserves It could bring in emergency power resources to …

There'll be blackouts this summer if nothing is done, AEMO report warns
6 years, 4 months ago

There'll be blackouts this summer if nothing is done, AEMO report warns

ABC  

Victoria and South Australia are at a high risk of forced blackouts this summer if no action is taken, according to the latest report by the Australian Energy Market Operator. Key points: There is a risk of load-shedding blackouts this summer as companies switch off power due to system risk The AEMO has sourced emergency energy to keep up with …

Southern states swelter as power supply struggles
7 years, 2 months ago

Southern states swelter as power supply struggles

ABC  

The power supply in Victoria and South Australia is being put to the test as five of the states and territories face an extreme heatwave, after temperatures in some areas hit 40 degrees Celsius. The Australian Energy Market Operator has activated its "reserve trader functions" in Victoria, which will see it effectively pay some heavy energy users to curtail their …

Electricity market struggling as coal-fired power stations shut down, regulator says
7 years, 6 months ago

Electricity market struggling as coal-fired power stations shut down, regulator says

ABC  

Australians could face higher power bills and more blackouts this summer because of deep-seated problems in the national electricity market, the energy regulator has warned. Key points: AEMO says electricity market struggling to provide reliable supply as grid loses "dispatchable" power Renewables cannot provide reliable power at all times without storage, report says AEMO is struggling to establish reserve of …

Energy Market Operator issues mixed blackout forecast for SA, Victoria during summer
7 years, 6 months ago

Energy Market Operator issues mixed blackout forecast for SA, Victoria during summer

ABC  

The Australian Energy Market Operator says the South Australian Government's energy plan will help alleviate the risk of unplanned blackouts this summer, but is warning the risk of such blackouts is significantly higher across the border in Victoria. Without the SA Energy Plan and the operator's own emergency measures, AEMO estimates the likelihood of blackouts in South Australia this summer …

South Australian power stations will prevent blackouts this summer, SA Government says
7 years, 7 months ago

South Australian power stations will prevent blackouts this summer, SA Government says

ABC  

South Australia will bring temporary back-up power generators online to prevent blackouts this summer, before they are merged into a permanent Government-owned power station. In an announcement today, the SA Government said the hybrid turbines would initially be installed at two locations, the Adelaide desalination plant site in Lonsdale and the General Motors Holden site in Elizabeth. Fast facts: Nine …

Grattan Institute warns of looming summer energy crisis without reforms
7 years, 10 months ago

Grattan Institute warns of looming summer energy crisis without reforms

ABC  

Panicking politicians who make kneejerk decisions to bolster Australia's energy security run the risk of fuelling a power crisis with more blackouts and restrictions, according to a report from the Grattan Institute. The report said regulators have around six months to agree on broad national reforms that go beyond uncoordinated individual actions, such as the Federal Government's proposed Snowy Hydro …

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures
7 years, 11 months ago

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures

China Daily  

CANBERRA - Fears mount that Australia could suffer a gas shortage in the near future, following the closure of the Hazlewood brown coal power station last month. David Rylah from energy consultancy company Energy Action has said that some customers -- mostly commercial and industrial firms -- are paying up to 12 US dollars per gigajoule, up from levels of …

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures
7 years, 11 months ago

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-04-04 10:22 CANBERRA - Fears mount that Australia could suffer a gas shortage in the near future, following the closure of the Hazlewood brown coal power station last month. David Rylah from energy consultancy company Energy Action has said that some customers -- mostly commercial and industrial firms -- are paying up to 12 US dollars per …

SA power: Hazelwood power station shutdown to lead to price hikes, less reliability but more security
8 years ago

SA power: Hazelwood power station shutdown to lead to price hikes, less reliability but more security

ABC  

On Wednesday, the last of eight coal-fired generators at Hazelwood Power Station in Victoria will send its last megawatt into the national grid. In December, in the wake of the Hazelwood retirement announcement, the Australian Energy Market Commission predicted SA power bills would surge by 7.2 per cent next financial year, adding about $115 to the annual bill of an …

SA power: Blackout warning issued as maintenance work happens in Victoria
8 years ago

SA power: Blackout warning issued as maintenance work happens in Victoria

ABC  

A warning about potential electricity load shedding tomorrow in South Australia due to planned maintenance on major poles and wires has been issued. The Australian Energy Market Operator issued the warning about potential blackouts across the power network due to planned maintenance work on the high-voltage transmission line in Victoria. AEMO's market notice stated there was "potential for Automatic Under …

Policymakers need to act quickly to restore confidence after South Australian blackouts
8 years, 1 month ago

Policymakers need to act quickly to restore confidence after South Australian blackouts

ABC  

The installation of a new gas-fired generator and the establishment of a solar thermal power plant are the most likely short-term solutions to electricity shortages in South Australia, the director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute has said. Professor John Spoehr, who heads the Adelaide-based institution, described the current acrimonious politics debate around energy policy as "a new low in …

SA power woes to spread nation-wide, starting with Victoria, Australian Energy Council warns
8 years, 1 month ago

SA power woes to spread nation-wide, starting with Victoria, Australian Energy Council warns

ABC  

The Federal Government needs to take urgent action to improve its energy policies before the rest of Australia falls victim to the type of large-scale blackouts experienced in South Australia, the Australian Energy Council has warned. About 90,000 South Australian homes and businesses were blacked out Wednesday when the Australian Energy Market Operator issued a load-shedding order to avoid potential …

SA heatwave forces blackouts to cope with electricity demand, angering Government
8 years, 1 month ago

SA heatwave forces blackouts to cope with electricity demand, angering Government

ABC  

South Australia's Energy Minister is furious with the Australian Energy Market Operator after tens of thousands of South Australian homes were blacked out last night in scorching conditions. "The Australian Energy Market Operator has instructed us to commence 100MW rotational load-shedding via a government-agreed list due to lack of available generation supply in South Australia," the power provider said. Mr …

South Australian blackout: When the lights go out, it's a sign the electricity grid isn't working well
8 years, 5 months ago

South Australian blackout: When the lights go out, it's a sign the electricity grid isn't working well

ABC  

The blackout of an entire state is rare. And the Australian Energy Market Operator's preliminary report has not yet determined why the whole of South Australia went to "black system" at 4.18pm local time on Wednesday September 28. Power operator knew storm was brewing The AEMO report says that the energy market operator was expecting "severe weather" on Wednesday September …

South Australian blackout: Unclear whether wind power played a role in the outage, report says
8 years, 5 months ago

South Australian blackout: Unclear whether wind power played a role in the outage, report says

ABC  

Former Clean Energy Council head Matthew Warren says the impact of wind power must be a consideration as the post-mortem of the South Australian blackout continues. Key points: Former head of Clean Energy Council says outage "triggered by a weather event" Report finds there was reduction in wind farm generation in lead-up to outage SA Premier accuses PM of "politicking" …

Extreme weather poses increasing threat to US power grid
9 years, 3 months ago

Extreme weather poses increasing threat to US power grid

Associated Press  

— When Hurricane Katrina’s punishing storm surge plowed ashore, it swamped seven of Coast Electric Power Association’s substations, vital to powering thousands of Mississippi homes and businesses. An Associated Press analysis of industry data found that severe weather is the leading cause of major outages on the nation’s power grid. That leaves Coast Electric and other utilities across the country …

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