Yesterday (Sunday 28th January) saw electricity demand (both Scheduled and Operational) above 9,000MW in the heat. Others have noted this was the highest-ever non-working day demand in Victoria, but I have not delved in detail.
Weather forecasts tell of an expected hot weekend on Saturday (in Melbourne & Adelaide) and then Sunday (in Sydney) – which has led to some news articles talking about “searing heat across the southeast putting energy supplies under pressure”. Let’s not get carried away – it looks like the levels of demand will be pretty moderate.
A quick review of a day when NSW demand was forecast to be high
Current forecasts at AEMO show NSW demand forecast to peak above 13,500MW (which would easily be the highest December demand in NSW since 2009).
AEMO forecasts NEM-wide demand to exceed 32,000MW tomorrow (Monday 18th December), which is far higher than seen in December 2016, and one reason for the LOR1 low reserve notices.
AEMO forecasts higher demand in Victoria (and South Australia) tomorrow with the hot weather – and a slight LOR1 warning.
With hot weather forecast for NSW this Thursday (especially in inland areas) it’s no surprise to see that the AEMO is forecasting higher demand on the day. Linked to this there is also a slight negative (local) surplus generation forecast.
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.
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
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