Adelaide’s west to be first hit by forced blackouts if SA runs short on power today, as grid braces for huge test in 45C heat

Suburbs in Adelaide’s west would be the first hit by forced blackouts if SA runs short on power today, as the state braces for record-breaking temperatures and severe fire danger.

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Suburbs in Adelaide’s west would be the first hit by forced blackouts if SA runs short on power today, as the state braces for record-breaking temperatures and severe fire danger.

The load shedding schedule maintained by the Government shows Woodville Gardens, Wingfield, Pennington, Rosewater and St Clair and first in the queue before rolling blackouts move to the inner north.

Latest information from the Australian Energy Market Operator shows SA will push the limits of the grid at about 6pm, but likely have supplies to get through. In emergency situations, AEMO can take additional steps including asking big businesses to shut down to keep homes online.

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The Government also has the option of firing up diesel generators purchased by its predecessor in a worst-case scenario.

Demand is expected to reach 3093MW in SA at 6.30pm today, as people return from work and turn on home airconditioners.

At that time, SA is expected to rely on supply from Victoria, and have additional reserves in case of emergency.

SA’s all-time record power demand was 3399MW in 2011.

In February 2017, 90,000 SA homes and businesses were blacked out in sweltering heat as power supplies failed to meet high demand.

Six hundred homes have been approved for the installation of solar batteries to stop power price spikes and blackouts, as the wider grid faces a massive test in today’s extreme heat.

State Government figures released to The Advertiser show 101 units have been installed in SA homes as part of a $200 million scheme for up to 40,000 properties.

Of the 600 subsidies approved, the data shows a spread between regional areas including Port Pirie, parts of eastern Adelaide and working class northern suburbs.

Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan moved to allay fears of forced blackouts today as temperatures are forecast to reach 45C in Adelaide.

Widespread forced blackouts gripped the state in February 2017, as a shortfall in wind and solar power coincided with the Pelican Point gas-fired plant lying idle.

Six hundred homes have been approved for the installation of solar batteries as a safeguard against power price spikes and blackouts – with the power grid facing a massive test in Thursday’s furnace-like heat.

The public backlash led to the former Labor government developing a $550 million power plan.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan said available supply on Thursday was “tighter than we would like it to be”, but “very manageable”.

An Australian Energy Market Operator spokeswoman said unexpected events could cause service interruptions in extreme conditions, but every precaution was being taken.

“AEMO is confident the plans we have made and the targeted actions we have taken in collaboration with the wider energy industry and governments, have appropriately equipped us to tackle any unforeseeable events the upcoming summer might bring,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are only midway through the summer, and continue to monitor all elements of operations closely.”

Mr van Holst Pellekaan said having more people creating and storing energy would create wider benefits.

“This scheme will benefit all South Australians. As more home batteries reduce total demand on the network, we can look forward to lower prices for all households,” he said.

The Government says the scheme has led to about 900 jobs, and three firms want to manufacture locally.

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