Calls for restraint on electricity use in QLD on Tuesday 1st February 2022

One of the team in the office noticed this call from the QLD Premier, Anastasia Palaszczuk – which echoes Powerlink’s request for people to reduce their electricity consumption today, when safe to do so:

It’s no surprise that this call has been made, given what’s been forecast and that RERT was dispatched ~57 minutes after the tweet from the Premier had gone out.

The Powerlink statement is on the Powerlink website here and says:

Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser has asked Queenslanders to try and reduce their electricity consumption over the next two days as high temperatures drive record electricity demand.

Queensland is forecast to reach an electricity peak demand later today of 10,032 MW, very close to our 2019 record of 10,044MW and well above our 2021 peak of 9,450MW.
Mr Simshauser said by reducing electricity consumption – especially in the afternoon and evening – people can help to ensure that available supply is used in the fairest and most efficient manner across industry, the community and essential services.

“We’re encouraging electricity customers to reduce their energy consumption where safe to do so over the next two days,” Mr Simshauser said.

“Your safety and wellbeing is important so only reduce energy consumption if it is safe to do so. We appreciate your efforts in reducing power use.

“By reducing electricity use at home and in your workplace, the community can help ensure that power system security is maintained in Queensland.”

Queensland householders can reduce their electricity usage by:

• • Reducing the number of rooms being air-conditioned or running your air conditioner a couple of degrees higher.
  • Turning off computers, TVs and other household appliances in standby mode.
  • Turning off your pool pumps and second fridges.
  • Turning off unnecessary interior and exterior lights.

Commercial businesses can limit their electricity usage by:

• • Limiting the use of air conditioners (unless needed for health or medical reasons) and if air conditioners need to be used, set them to 24°C or above;
  • Reducing the amount of interior and advertising lighting used;
  • Turning off water heating systems and urns, except for food and beverage preparation and cleaning; and
  • Turning off advertising lighting, heating appliances for swimming pools or spas and any unnecessary exterior lighting.

“Unfortunately Queensland has several large generators undergoing emergency maintenance which has reduced available supply, Mr Simshauser said.

“We will keep Queenslanders informed through our communication channels, and the media. I strongly encourage all Queenslanders to keep up to date and consider how you can help by reducing your electricity consumption to prevent outages.

“In the event of supply outages, it is important to note emergency services and other priority groups such as hospitals and nursing homes will be given priority access to electricity supply to ensure that crucial services are available.

“We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all Queenslanders while we manage this high demand event.”

Every little bit will help!