Bushfires threaten NSW power grid

The bushfires raging across NSW have placed huge stress on the state’s powerlines and energy transmission.

Following warnings that bushfires could bring down transmission lines and cause blackouts across the state, on 4 January the AEMO called on consumers to limit their energy consumption where possible. It issued a forecast Lack of Reserve 2 (LOR2) market notice, which signals a reduction in predetermined electricity reserve levels.

Residents were asked to:

• avoid running multiple appliances at once,
• set air conditioners to 24°, and
• temporarily switch off pool pumps.
   

However, AEMO stated that energy conservation should only be undertaken if it was safe to do so, with health and wellbeing the primary consideration.

It also said if the situation further worsened and all energy reserves were lost, it may be forced to instruct controlled load shedding in NSW.

AEMO will continue to closely monitor reserve levels to maintain adequate supply.

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