Regulator says enough electricity for weekend

Australia’s energy regulator says it expects there to be enough electricity supply to satisfy national demand over the weekend, after days of crisis in which it suspended the market for the first time.

Power shock: SA holds firm after unprecedented market intervention

South Australia avoided major power outages overnight but the Australian Energy Market Operator – which yesterday took the unprecedented step of suspending the electricity market to guard against catastrophic power failures – is still warning of a lack of reserve over the coming days.

AEMO says lower reliability of ageing coal-fired power stations is increasing risks of breakdown and blackouts. Photo: supplied

Summer blackouts likely if reliable power not secured: regulator

Australians living and operating businesses in eastern states can expect a higher risk of blackouts this summer, especially in Victoria.

In diesel we trust: Record-breaking heat ignites power fight

South Australia’s record-breaking temperatures have reignited the political battle over the state’s electricity grid, after the diesel generators purchased by the previous Labor Government were brought online by the market operator to meet high demand.

SA 'better placed' to combat blackouts

South Australia is better placed to combat blackouts, but still may experience summer outages, a report warns.

Market failure: The day Australia was put on blackout alert

The energy market operator has released a report on the state of Australia’s electricity system. It couldn’t be blunter if it tried: the market has failed, writes David Blowers from the Grattan Institute.