Millions of Aussies facing power blackout amid freezing temperatures
Monday night might feel even colder for millions of Aussies who are at risk of losing power, and it could carry over into Tuesday morning.
Queenslanders and NSW residents are being urged to conserve their electricity as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a 'lack of reserve' forecast.
This means demand during peak periods might exceed supply causing blackouts in these two states, the ABC reported.
Queenslanders could lose power between 5pm until 11pm, so residents are being urged to use it mindfully.
Meanwhile, those in NSW are urged to limit what power they use from 8pm Monday night.
This could mean turning down heaters and switching off household appliances to conserve power.
The potential blackouts are a result of an unusual combination of unexpected generator outages plus cool winter temperatures and high demand for electricity, Powerlink chief executive Paul Simshauser said in a statement.
"By carefully managing electricity use at home and in your workplace, the community can help ensure that power system security is maintained in Queensland," Mr Simshauser said.
Associate professor of energy economics at the University of Adelaide Dr Liam Wagner told ABC the strain on the energy sector was concerning, and could potentially cause blackouts in additional states.
"If there were sudden outages of large coal-fired generators we could see multiple states going black," Dr Wagner said.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
