The national energy market operator is having to direct electricity generators in Queensland to switch on plants to avoid blackouts, but even that may not be enough to avoid shortages this evening.
The national energy market operator is having to direct electricity generators in Queensland to switch off plants to avoid blackouts, but even that may not be enough to avoid shortages.
Coal plant threat may risk âTexas momentâ for NEM
Mar 4, 2021 â 3.19pm
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The extreme electricity prices and wide-scale blackouts triggered by last monthâs deadly freeze in Texas are expected to prompt a re-examination of the risks of extreme weather on Australiaâs power grid, which is already under huge pressure due to the rapid rise of renewables.
Several days of wholesale prices at the maximum of about $US9000 per megawatt-hour â mostly under mandate from the Public Utility Commission of Texas â claimed Macquarie-backed upstart retailer Griddy as an early victim last Friday, followed by co-operative electricity generator Brazos Electric Power on Monday.