A hot day in QLD today!

The following image (from NEM-Watch v8) clearly illustrates how temperatures in the southern half of QLD climbed significantly over the day, compared to the rest of the NEM.


NEM-Watch screenshot - high temperatures in queensland

As a result of these temperatures, QLD’s demand has climbed through the day to be currently just above 8,000MW.

Whilst still 800MW or so away from the all-time maximum, it is a significant level of demand – considering that it’s New Year’s Eve and so there’s considerable commercial/industrial demand “on holidays”.

The high level of demand is indicated above by the yellow-ish colour of QLD in the display (in NEM-Watch v8, demand is set on a sliding scale between blue (lowest demand in recent years) and red (peak demand)).

However, note that the demand in the rest of the NEM (because of more moderate temperatures, and indeed cool temperatures (for summer) in Tasmania. As such, NEM-wide demand at the moment is only 25,530MW, as highlighted on the above image (i.e. not going to make the record for peak NEM demand this summer!)

By clicking the supply-demand reference button (highlighted on the above image) you are able to see the QLD situation in more detail, as the following chart pops up in front of the main display:

QLD supply and demand reference

Through this chart, you will be able to gain insight into:

    • How the current demand compares against the historical peak demand for the region;
    • How the current demand compares against NEMMCO’s latest forecasts for the peak demand the next summer and winter; and
    • How much plant is out on maintenance currently (or otherwise unavailable) compared with the installed capacity (as noted in the latest SOO (Statement of Opportunities)).

About the Author

Paul McArdle
Paul was one of the founders of Global-Roam in February 2000. He is currently the CEO of the company and the principal author of WattClarity. Writing for WattClarity has become a natural extension of his work in understanding the electricity market, enabling him to lead the team in developing better software for clients. Before co-founding the company, Paul worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Queensland Electricity Commission in the early 1990s. He also gained international experience in Japan, the United States, Canada, the UK, and Argentina as part of his ES Cornwall Memorial Scholarship.

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