Victoria bracing for summer blackouts
VICTORIANS face a huge risk of power outages during extreme heatwaves this summer unless backup energy sources are secured.
Authorities are scrambling to deliver extra power to the state, after diesel generators were shipped in last summer to help keep the lights on.
The Australian Energy Market Operator will today warn there is a “heightened risk” of power outages if Victoria swelters through multiple days above 40 degrees.
Its summer forecast has worsened in recent months, with AEMO’s new report finding there is a one-in-three chance of power outages in Victoria during extreme conditions if action is not taken.
Blackouts or brownouts were likely in January and February at 4pm-7pm, hitting up to 250,000 households.
The AEMO report said a string of extremely hot days could cause “1-in-10-year electricity demand conditions”, sparking a risk to supply.
The Hazelwood power station closure and ongoing concerns about the reliability of the state’s ageing coal-fired power stations prompted the market operator to toughen warnings on supply shortages. LOVED children’s group the Mik Maks have been named best kids live act at an awards ceremony hosted by a national events directory.
The trio were given the award at a ceremony in Brisbane last week and group members Brian, Joel and Al McInnes have dedicated it to their brother and fellow group member Dean who died earlier this year.
Today the group will release their new song We Brush Our Teeth — the last song written by Dean.
Alan said the release of the song would be another step forward in the healing process.
“This year has been incredibly tough, the absolute worst,” Al said. “But even when you’re feeling absolutely gutted, you’ve just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“And that’s what we’ve done. We keep making music. Dean wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The group will embark on a tour next month during which they will visit Geelong, Ballarat, Melbourne, Colac, Warrnambool and Shepparton.
“We love what we do and can’t wait to begin touring our new show in September and sharing the award with our fans,” Al said.
Tickets: themikmaks.com.au or info@themikmaks.com.au
Victoria and South Australia are at greater risk than other states, with continuing shortages forecast after this summer which AEMO predicts will be reduced in future years by increasing investment in new energy generation, particularly wind and solar.
AEMO chief executive Audrey Zibelman said planning work was under way to ensure the electricity network could meet “extreme peaks in demand” this summer.
“As with last year, we have a clear plan in place and will take all the appropriate actions to ensure the industry is ready to meet the demands of the upcoming summer,” she said.
The market operator is working with the State Government to contract extra power to meet Victoria’s needs this summer after $51 million was spent last summer to prevent blackouts.