The state’s climate change minister made a plea for citizens to adjust their air conditioning, saying: “If you can turn your air conditioning up a little bit, over about 24, [that will be] fantastic.” The New South Wales (NSW) state government issued a request on December 14 for citizens to “temporarily reduce non-essential use of electricity” due to hot temperatures putting pressure on the electricity grid. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) expected power use to peak between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. with temperatures forecast to hit 40 degrees Celsius in parts of NSW, including Sydney.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment said that AEMO has notified market participants of the increased generation or reduced consumption, activating the Government Energy Action Response protocol. This will see NSW government agencies reducing electricity usage, including reducing air conditioning use “where safe and feasible” and switching off non-essential lights and equipment. The community was also encouraged to reduce energy use between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. where it’s possible and safe to do so.
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said, “With the community and the NSW government working together during hot weather, we can help minimize the risk of disruption to the energy grid.” She emphasized making small changes to the way non-essential appliances are used to relieve pressure on the network and power bills. Sharpe noted that the government had spoken with water utilities to defer pumping to reduce grid pressure, as one unit at a power station was down, adding further strain. Despite a slightly decreased risk of low power supply for the night, residents were still asked to reduce the use of non-essential appliances. Reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, NSW government agencies and some large energy users were still taking steps to reduce power usage. The public was asked to use air conditioning if preferred but reduce the use of non-essentials between then and 9 p.m.
On December 14, temperatures in Sydney reached 39 degrees celsius, with a high of 37 degrees and a low of 22 degrees between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. Subsequent temperatures were projected to reach 27 degrees on December 15, 33 degrees on Saturday, and 25 degrees on Sunday.