What you said about Energex turning off airconditioning in Qld

Queensland’s aircon issue has left many hot under the collar, but what is the solution? HAVE YOUR SAY

LNP Energy Minister David Janetzki says curtailing the strength of airconditioning in people’s homes is better than it being cut off completely.

Queensland’s aircon issue has left many hot under the collar.

It was revealed more than 8000 households had the cooling function on their airconditioner turned off remotely by Energex on a sweltering Sunday earlier this month – the fifth Big Brother-style intervention of the year.

In total, aircons have been automatically throttled back about 210,000 times in the Sunshine State so far in 2024 to ease pressure on the power grid, according to information obtained from the government-owned power company.

The most recent instance was during the early evening of December 8, when over 8300 households across Logan and Ipswich had the compressors of their aircon disabled.

Energex was trying to manage surging electricity demand after temperatures reached as high as 36C.

The affected households were part of the PeakSmart “demand response” scheme.

They joined PeakSmart in return for a rebate of as much as $400 on purchasing an air conditioner. The quid pro quo was that a signal receiver was installed in the unit.

The receiver allows Energex or Ergon – depending on the location – to remotely control power supply to the air conditioner to cap its energy consumption during times of heavy demand.

Energex calls these times “PeakSmart events.”

News of the issue sparked debate among readers.

Many claimed it was a case of people getting what they deserved; others said it’s time for change, while many offered alternatives.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

Airconditioning has become a hot topic in Queensland.

WHAT YOU SAID

Seen this before

William

Ergon installed a smart metre on my house in Cairns a few years ago. Then, one day, after I turned on my airconditioner, I thought there was a problem with it as it was not cooling, only the fan in the unit was working. But the problem was not my airconditioner. I found out later that it was being controlled remotely by the provider, Ergon.

Bronwyn

I wrongly assumed most people set their airconditioning to 24 degrees during the day, typically between 9am and 5pm, to manage the heat. At night, it’s usually only used during extreme heatwaves, which, in South East Queensland, occur for just 2 to 3 days over the summer period.

Wayne

Outrageous this is even possible in Australia. We’ve lost the plot. And the irony … swelter in the heat, but please buy and electric car – that uses 12 fridges worth of power when recharging. I’m outraged by it all.

The Energex logo.

Get what you deserve

Rusty

If people used their air conditioners wisely, then there may not be a need to reduce the cooling function. I see that some people in my suburb have their air conditioners on 24/7.

Bill

Fancy that these people are virtually accepting $400 dollars, at the time of purchasing their unit, so the electricity supplier can regulate their air conditioner. Serve the silly buggers right.

Warren

only way to sort this out is for us to all suffer power outages and have a gutful of labor, greens, wokes and lefties and get our cheap reliable coal fired power stations maintained and back up and running like they were for 50 years

Truth Teller

So can we now all accept this green energy rubbish is a dream turned into a nightmare.

markus

I never use airconditioning. even whilst living in Cairns for 5 years, your body gets adapted to it and you notice the heat a lot less without the unhealthy artificial cooling. try this, it works!

Time will tell

Michael

I am not going to blame the Crisafulli Government, yet.

They have not been in charge long enough to make a difference.

Doug

Australians really are sheep. Happily handing over more control of our lives to governments and their energy company helpers.

Nuclear Denier

In 2048, when Nuclear Power is in place, these power cuts will be a thing of the past.

Chris

We need a more blackouts. it just might wake up those people who vote for Albo / Bowen and make them realise this “renewables” dream is just a big con …

How much control do you really have over the aircon remote?

We need change

James

This is outrageous. Build some more coal fired power stations for gods sake. China are building 2 new coal fired stations a week!!!

King Matt

But we need a 4 billion stadium as a priority apparently. We can’t be worrying about highways, hospitals and energy.

Sam

try it with me, I will never pay for electricity again, I know how to live comfortably off grid

Shaun

Absolutely disgraceful! The politicians and their misguided ideology have failed their employers. Get more coal fired power stations built before it’s too late!

Originally published as What you said about Energex turning off airconditioning in Qld