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AEMO bolsters power reserves, reassures SA electricity customers ahead of heatwave

Tuesday, 28 Feb 2017 13:18:00 | Nick Harmsen

Maximum temperatures in Adelaide are expected to remain between 34C and 37C until Friday. (Flickr: Michael Coghlan)

The national energy regulator has taken the highly unusual step of reassuring South Australians that it is not forecasting supply shortfalls as temperatures reach the high 30s over the next four days.

But the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned these conditions can change quickly due to unexpected generator or network issues.

"As of 28 February, indications suggest that generation supply in the power system will be able to meet demand," AEMO said in a public statement.

"However, given the dynamic nature of the power system, changes in weather forecasts and or equipment failures, all can impact the situation quite quickly."

Maximum temperatures in Adelaide are expected to remain between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius until Friday.

AEMO said a protracted heat period, while not necessarily classed as extreme weather, has the "potential to impact on the performance of some electricity equipment and infrastructure over the course of that period".

Why was South Australia's power shut off during the heatwave?


We take a look at the process of load shedding and why it takes place.

The statement from AEMO reflected a heightened focus on the state's electricity network after power shortfalls during a heatwave earlier this month.

AEMO came under heavy criticism from the South Australian Government after it enforced blackouts, known as load shedding to cope with the shortfall.

The market operator also came under heavy questioning from South Australian senators during a senate estimates hearing.

South Australia's Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said AEMO's announcement showed the operator was feeling the heat.

"They're in a heightened state of tension in AEMO, but it just goes to show you that with advanced warning and preparation, there's no need for load shedding," he said.

"If they were doing their jobs earlier, none of this would have occurred."

Market operator moves to put more power in reserve

As AEMO was making its unusual public statement, behind the scenes it was also taking up the step of beefing up surplus power reserves within South Australia.

What do the AEMO's findings into SA's blackout mean?


South Australia's ABC News political reporter Nick Harmsen breaks down the latest findings from the Australian Energy Market Operator into the state's recent blackout.

South Australia suffered a statewide blackout last September, when a catastrophic chain of events during a major storm caused the unexpected failure of the main interconnector between Victoria and South Australia.

AEMO generally maintains a buffer of surplus generation within a state.

The surplus is required to help keep the system alive and prevent load shedding in the event of a large-scale generator or interconnector failure.

When reserves fall below this buffer, the operator issues a "lack of reserve" notice to the market, effectively appealing for generators to either switch on, or increase their input.

AEMO taking responsibilities more seriously: Koutsantonis

Previously, the buffer in South Australia had been set at 420 megawatts, but as of this morning, it has been increased to 570MW.

Mr Koutsantonis said it was a sign the market operator was taking its responsibilities more seriously.

"I think they've been a bit relaxed about the way they've been running the national electricity market," he said.

"I think now they're a lot more conservative in their approaches which is a good thing.

"But I think ultimately what it shows is we are at the mercy of a switchroom based in Victoria and that is an unacceptable outcome for the people of this state and that is why we need to intervene."

AEMO declined the ABC's interview request to explain the changes, but a spokesman said the change would give the organisation more capacity to deal with future interconnector failures.

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