Hot under collar over threat of blackouts

HOUSEHOLDS and businesses may be told to restrict airconditioner use and have the power to some hardwired appliances switched off under plans to prevent blackouts during heatwaves this summer.

The Palaszczuk Government has flicked the switch on a blueprint to enforce extraordinary measures after being warned summer electricity use would hit a new record.

Under the Summer Preparedness Plan drawn up by the Government’s Energy Security Taskforce, households and business could be told to set airconditioners to 26C.

Power for hot water services and pool pumps on controlledload tariffs may be switched off during times of peak demand, while businesses may be told to turn off advertising lights and prevent any other non- essential electricity use.

“During a heatwave, residents may be asked to manage electricity network stress by changing air conditioners to 26C or above and using cooling only in occupied rooms during peak hours,” the plan states. “This helps us manage demand and mitigate the risk of load- shedding occurring.”

Energy Minister Mark Bailey last night said that Queensland had one of the nation’s most secure power supplies but it was important to be vigilant.

“We can’t change the fact that Queensland will continue to have heatwaves and extreme weather events, and while we cannot predict every risk scenario the taskforce has presented a way forward for the short and medium term,” he said.

The plan predicts Queensland’s peak demand will hit a record 9790MW this summer and efforts to maximise available power sources will ensure up to 11,445MW of electricity is available.

It comes after the state was left with just 548MW of generation in reserve during a heatwave in February when peak demand hit a record 9369MW.