What happens when energy is free?
One scenario holds that the price of energy supply might drop to the point where it is effectively free. Here’s some of what we’re thinking about…
Articles by Paul McArdle
One of three founders of Global-Roam back in 2000, Paul has been CEO of the company since that time.
As an author on WattClarity, Paul's focus has been to help make the electricity market more understandable.
Diesel gensets start popping up across Tasmania
The first of the diesel gensets startup in Tasmania, and make their way into the data feed.
Some thoughts on the shaky state of Tassie electricity supply
Recapping what I’ve learnt (and highlighting some of the things I have yet to learn) about the electricity supply crisis currently facing Tasmania
How small-scale solar PV is helping to moderate peak demand
Quick notes about how solar PV is helping to moderate peak demand (but some considerations relating to using rules of thumb about its effect).
Autumn 2016 in the NEM
A collection of articles focused on what’s happened in Australia’s National Electricity Market through the autumn period (March, April, May) of 2016
Highest electricity demand in NSW so far this summer seen today
NSW experiences its highest electricity demand so far this summer as a result of the hot weather
NSW demand rises a little today
NSW demand rises (somewhat) today
Hot weather drives Victorian demand (somewhat) higher today – a rare excursion above 9,000MW
A rare excursion above 9,000MW this summer in Victoria on the back of some hot weather today.
Moree Solar Farm becomes the fourth of the Large-Scale Solar Farms outputting to the NEM (but 3rd publishing data)
A quick look at large-scale solar data for the NSW region, with the recent addition of Moree Solar
Hot weather (and LNG gas demand) drives Queensland electricity demand to a new all-time peak
Yesterday (Monday 1st Feb) we saw a new record demand set for the Queensland Region of the NEM. Today was even hotter…
Queensland demand forecast to break 9,000MW for the first time next week
AEMO’s current PASA forecasts indicate a likelihood that we’ll see a new record set for electricity demand in Queensland early next week.
NSW electricity demand a shave higher than last week
Hot weather pushes electricity demand in NSW higher than the high met set last week – a new “highest point in summer, thus far”
NSW demand tops 12,800MW and reserves tighten today – prior to the cool change
Today was the turn for NSW to feel the heat – with demand rising and supplies stretched as a result.
NEM-wide demand breaks 32,000MW – highest so far this summer
NEM-wide demand exceeds 32,000MW for the first time this summer (so 2,000MW higher than the previous summer level, already). A volatile day in pictures…
Queensland demand rises above 8,000MW
Queensland demand rose above 8,000MW
NEM-wide demand climbs above 30,000MW today
Demand begins to wake from holiday slumber with temperatures up across the mainland.
A collection of some core analytical challenges
A collection of articles speaking to some core analytical challenges. Others are categorised elsewhere – like my prior thoughts on three reasons why forecasting is a mug’s game.
What’s been happening with NEM-wide demand so far this summer
A quick look back over summer 2015-16 to date to see what level of electricity demand has been achieved.
Sun Metals submits rule change request to AEMC – for optional Five Minute Settlement
On 4th December 2015, Sun Metals (a zinc smelter in northern Queensland, and also one of our initial deSide® clients) submitted this rule change request to the AEMC: In the 10-page proposed change, my sense is that the key points…
Puzzling through three rule change requests
Some ideas that I have been puzzling over – about the overlaps and contradictions between 3 rule changes under consideration at the AEMC currently
1) The Demand Response Mechanism (better known as the Negawatt buyback mechanism)
2) The Bidding in Good Faith deliberation
3) The Requirement for Price-Responsive (large) Demand to bid into central dispatch