Minister Mick de Brenni’s warning for Queenslanders ahead of predicted peak energy demand

Queenslanders have been warned to expect an “absolute scorcher” over the coming days, with demand for energy set to reach a new record in the next 48 hours.

Demand for energy is expected to reach a new record in the next 48 hours as temperatures continue to rise.

But Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said he was confident the state’s energy system could meet the challenge.

Mr Brenni, Energex and Origin executives met at Raceview in Ipswich on Thursday to discuss the looming hit to the electricity network.

He said Queenslanders should prepare for an “absolute scorcher”, with temperatures in Ipswich expected to reach as high at 37C on Friday.

“That of course puts great demands on our energy system,” Mr de Brenni said.

“People using air conditioners throughout the course of the day is going to see increased levels of demand and pressure on that system.”

Mr de Brenni said the Australian Energy Market Operator was forecasting a new record peak for demand Friday of about 10,400MW.

The Sunshine state’s previous maximum demand was 10,085MW.

But he assured Queenslanders the state was ready to meet that demand.

“It will be tight, but the system will be manageable,” he said.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Mr de Brenni said some publicly-owned power stations, including Callide Power Station in Mount Murchison in the Banana Shire, were presently offline.

“The reality is that from time to time, we need to take generation units out for scheduled maintenance,” he said.

There are some power stations that have units out because of unplanned maintenance … they’re being progressively reintroduced to the system over the coming days and months.

“We want to provide an assurance to Queensland households and businesses that our supply exceeds the forecasted demand.

“We’re confident we can manage it. I’m advised that we have enough supply to make sure the lights stay on.”

Mr de Brenni said the state government’s new energy initiative was designed to help the state’s energy system battle peak demands in such scenarios.

Mr de Brenni with Energex and Origin staff in Raceview, Ipswich. Picture: Nicola McNamara

In partnership with Energex and Origin, he announced the Queensland government planned to launch its first neighbourhood batteries in Ipswich.

The batteries will store cheap excess energy generated by rooftop solar systems to power households in peak evening periods of energy consumption.

Mr de Brenni said the neighbourhood batteries would help reduce household energy bills, along with reducing emissions.

Mr de Brenni with Energex and Origin staff in Raceview, Ipswich. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum, said the rollout of the new neighbourhood batteries would kick off in Goodna, Booval and Redbank Plains.

“Following a successful trial at Energex’s Raceview Depot, we’ll see the first of these neighbourhood batteries being installed in the coming weeks, with 35 rolled out across the suburbs and streets of Ipswich,” he said.

Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard, said the initiative would keep energy assets in public hands.

“These neighbourhood batteries not only help out local communities, but they are owned by them,” she said.

The neighbourhood batteries will be installed, owned and maintained by Energex, and operated by Origin in the wholesale energy market.