With Sydney’s temperatures reaching unseasonal highs over the past few days, the government is warning of potential electricity blackouts. In an attempt to avoid power outages across the state, The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has provided some tips on how to preserve energy so we can keep cool(ish) without seeing the city grind to a halt.
According to the AEMO, the peak period for power use in NSW will be between 3pm and 8pm – as people get home from work and school, and output from the state’s rooftop solar panel network declines. With that in mind, the government is encouraging people to keep unnecessary electricity use to a minimum at that time.
“If it is possible and safe to do so, businesses and households can also choose to make small changes to their electricity use between 3pm and 8pm to help reduce demand on the national grid during the evening peak,” the government said.
“For example, closing blinds, doors and windows to keep out the heat, and delaying the use of non-essential appliances such as dishwashers and pool pumps. If possible, set your air conditioning to 24 to 26 degrees between 3pm and 8pm.”
Although the steps that households and businesses take at this time will make a difference, there are other, more significant measures in place to try to keep us powered through the heatwave. In response to anticipated tight power supplies, the AEMO and the government have asked a panel of the state’s largest organisations to reduce their power use. Tilted the Government Energy Action Response, this state-wide effort will see large government agencies, local councils and other organisations actively reducing their electricity use between 3pm and 8pm. Another measure that will kick into gear this afternoon is the Voluntary Demand Reduction – which will see four water utilities (Water NSW, Sydney Water, Hunter Water and Central Coast Council) and the City of Sydney shifting their electricity usage to outside peak demand periods.
With these measures in place, the government has stated that we should expect a reliable supply of electricity “unless there is an unforeseen supply issue or weather conditions deteriorate”.
If you were planning on hosting an at-home karaoke and spa session tonight, you might want to reschedule.
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