Queensland electricity network ready to face the heat

Queenslanders can be confident the state’s robust electricity network is ready for hot weather and associated higher electricity demands over the coming days, as well as during the upcoming summer.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said while some of Queensland’s cities and towns would reach temperatures much higher than normal over the coming days, the electricity network was ready to respond.

Brisbane is expected to reach 36 degrees tomorrow, Ipswich 39, while in the west Longreach could hit 41.  

“During the summer heatwave earlier this year Queensland reached a new electricity demand record of 9369 megawatts,” Mr Bailey said.

“However, when Queensland hit the maximum demand level, the state still had 548 megawatts in reserve capacity – even when the mercury was soaring.

“The state’s network providers Powerlink, Ergon and Energex, along with the state’s electricity generators are ready to meet the demand.”

“In Queensland we have a diverse mix of electricity generation, including baseload coal-fired, gas and hydro generation, complemented by other renewables including wind and solar.

“This diversity means Queensland’s electricity network is ready to meet the expected customer demands for electricity during our hot weather.”

Mr Bailey said Queensland’s electricity supply was secure and predicted to meet peak demand in all forecast scenarios for many years to come.

“The Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2017 Electricity Statement of Opportunities confirmed this,” he said.

“But we’re not taking any chances, which is why we will shortly be releasing the Summer Preparedness Plan under the Powering Queensland Plan to put in place measures to make sure Queensland’s households and businesses enjoy a secure and reliable supply of electricity over the peak demands of the summer period.”

Mr Bailey also urged Queenslanders to use electricity wisely.

“For instance, if you are using your air-conditioner please set it at 24 degrees so it runs more efficiently which will also help your electricity bill,” he said. 

“What we can’t change are the continued heatwaves and other extreme weather we experience in Queensland.

“But I can assure Queenslanders we are doing everything possible to keep the power on this summer.”

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565