NSW demand rose to a near-record high on Friday the 10th of February, and QLD soared to a new record demand on that Sunday, amidst an intense heatwave. While this heat-stressed our electricity markets and infrastructure, the nation’s rooftop solar PV systems were providing critical load reduction under plentiful sunshine.
Load shedding in South Australia on Wednesday 8 February and successive ‘close shaves’ in NSW and Queensland as the heatwave spread north have exposed serious weaknesses in the national electricity market (NEM).
Some brief thoughts on one innovative business model being introduced to the NEM incorporating batteries, demand response, and free energy
A summary timeline of how last Friday’s “white knuckle ride” in NSW evolved, highlighting key events on the day.
Some thoughts by our guest author, about possible reasons why Engie did not bid full output of Pelican Point power station into AEMO on Wednesday 8th February (i.e. the time at which load shedding eventuated).
Final post for the day – a high demand level achieved, but not an all-time record.
3rd update today as the supply/demand balance tightens, and a transmission outage adds a complexity
Demand forecast down slightly on this morning, but still looking like a record.
AEMO early morning forecast pointing to a new record electricity demand late this afternoon.
An astounding day with Queensland electricity demand on a Sunday – a new peak (according to Powerlink) or not quite (on Dispatch Target basis).
Looking forward to this evening, and what looks set to be a near all-time record for QLD demand (a remarkable outcome for a Sunday)
To clarify a quotation today in the Fairfax media about solar PV performance on heatwave Friday in NSW.
Unwanted demand response in NSW approaches, for the 2nd day in a row with scorching temperatures driving demand higher.
First (and perhaps only?) post on a super-hot Saturday in NSW
With many stakeholders nervously looking on this afternoon, demand in NSW peaked at 14,108MW at 5:30pm AEDT.
4th update on this white-knuckle day.
Another update, as NSW demand shoots up towards a new all-time record
2nd quick note in advance of today’s expected new record demand in NSW (and hopefully not load shedding)
A quick look into an anticipated stinker of a day in NSW today
Here’s an update on the situation in NSW