SA cut off from national grid as Victorians asked to power down

Angela Macdonald-Smith and Simon Evans

Jan 31, 2020 – 9.29am

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South Australia was cut off from the rest of the National Electricity Market, while the Australian Energy Market Operator urgently called on Victorians to minimise their electricity use on a sweltering Friday afternoon as the summer power crisis hit home.

Alcoa's Portland smelter lost supply, while AEMO warned of potential forced blackouts in Victoria even after securing emergency reserves amid near-record demand.

Angela Macdonald-Smith writes on the resources industry with a focus on energy, including gas, oil, electricity and renewables.

Simon Evans writes on business specialising in retail, manufacturing, beverages, mining and M&A. He is based in Adelaide.