Queenslanders are facing power outages as electricity generators dial back their output in response to a cap on wholesale prices.
The Australian Energy Market Operator has issued an alert warning of possible blackouts for the southeast and the east coast between 5.30pm and 8pm on Monday, and again on Tuesday morning.
Residents have been urged to turn down heaters and switch off household appliances to conserve power.
The operator has imposed a cap on electricity spot prices of $300 per megawatt after seven consecutive days of surging wholesale prices.
“As a consequence of the administered price cap in Queensland, AEMO has seen generation bids reduce,” AMEO said in a statement.
The operator said with a lack of reserve electricity in the system, demand could exceed supply in parts of Queensland connected to the National Energy Market from early Monday evening.
“AEMO will take available actions to deliver additional supply or demand reduction, to maintain power system security,” it said.
“AEMO will continue to monitor reserve conditions closely in Queensland, NSW, and more broadly across the NEM, providing further updates should conditions change.”
The market operator said it would monitor Queensland’s wholesale spot prices, which have quadrupled in the year to March.
The Australian Energy Regulator said earlier this month the state’s wholesale prices, which are the highest in the nation, are unlikely to fall before 2024.
Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Paul Simshauser urged people to cut back on electric use wherever they can.
“There is an unusual combination of unexpected generator outages plus cool winter temperatures and high demand for electricity,” Mr Simshauser said.
Residents should heat only one room where possible and turn off appliances, pool pumps and electronics on standby mode.
Retailers have been asked to cut back on lighting, advertising displays and water heating systems.
“By carefully managing electricity use at home and in your workplace, the community can help ensure that power system security is maintained in Queensland,” Mr Simshauser said.
Part of the problem for Queensland is that 70 per cent of its generation comes from fossil fuels, and generators are suspected of bidding higher to profit from surging international coal and gas prices.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni has denied Stanwell and C S Energy are price gouging, saying they only bid to “cover costs” and that he won’t direct them to lower their bids.
“I understand the Queensland electricity transmission provider has asked that consideration is given to turning off unused appliances, and this will provide more comfort in the system,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Queenslanders have conserved energy in situations like this before … I’m confident Queenslanders will be able to do it again.”
Households will get about $44 off their monthly power bills from July under a one-off Queensland government rebate, with bills set to rise by at least $41 to $55.
Analysts have told AAP the AER will likely have to allow Queensland household and business bills to rise again before the end of 2022/23.
