Gas shortages possible during bouts of extreme weather over next four years, Aemo warns

Gas supply gaps, particularly in extreme weather conditions, could require exports to be diverted south, the Australian Energy Market Operator says. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

South-eastern Australia faces possible gas supply gaps for at least the next four years during bouts of extreme weather, potentially requiring exports to be diverted south, according to the gas outlook from the Australian Energy Market Operator.

Aemo’s gas statement of opportunities report found that gas output in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania would meet demand until 2027. But customers could face shortfalls, particularly if cold weather coincided with low levels of renewable energy generation.