ACT electricity provider Evoenergy has asked Canberrans to reduce their energy use on Thursday to prevent the power being turned off.
The national electricity grid is under intense pressure across the nation's east coast, causing concerns territorians could be left in the dark.
If energy demand becomes too high, power companies may decide to switch off power to groups of people. This is called load shedding.
How to reduce your energy use
Do:
- Turn heating down to 20C or less
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Wash dishes by hand
- Use a broom instead of a vacuum
- Minimise use of cooking appliances
- Switch appliances off at the wall
- Reduce use of TVs or computers for gaming
- Reduce pool pumping
- Use the washing line
Don't:
- Turn heating off completely
- Turn off the fridge
- Stop charging phones or telecommunication devices
- Stop communicating with loved ones
- Use candles instead of lights
- Run the washing machine or dryer after 5pm
- Keep your printer, speakers, microwave or washing machine on standby power
- Turn on the second TV
Evoenergy said the ACT's electricity load peaked at about 5.40pm on Wednesday night.
"But some of our large customers reduced their use, which meant the system was stable and we didn't need to do any emergency load shedding.
"In the most extreme cases, we may be directed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to immediately begin supply interruptions."
While the energy provider says it does not want anyone to go cold or hungry, it is asking ACT residents to reduce their discretionary power use.
This does not apply to anyone with a battery-powered generator that is not running low on supply.
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