Qld driving electricity demand

Queensland’s coal seam gas industry is driving Australia’s electricity demand.

The national electricity demand continues to rise on average by 0.17% a month, according to The February 2016 Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX) Report by pitt&sherry and The Australia Institute (TAI).

Total annual electricity demand is now 2% higher than the minimum level recorded 11 months ago, a sustained rate of increase which has not been seen for nearly seven years, said Dr Hugh Saddler, principal consultant, energy strategies at pitt&sherry.

“Queensland is driving this increase, with demand being 4.5% higher than in the year to February 2015, as it continues to use electric motors for the extraction of coal seam gas. Without Queensland, the other four NEM states combined still recorded an increase in annual demand of 0.6% over the same period.”

Dr Saddler commented that, putting aside Queensland gas industry demand, making more progress on mandatory energy-efficiency standards for new buildings and equipment in Australia would help reduce electricity demand and related emissions.

“Energy-efficiency standards for new buildings and equipment can significantly lower electricity demand and emissions, as well as reduce power bills for consumers, especially on very hot days. Unfortunately, national progress in this area has been at a standstill for some time and is now showing up in rising electricity demand and emissions.”