Electricity grid operator hits emergency button to avoid system overload

Victoria's heatwave has prompted the electricity grid operator to activate its emergency plan to avoid the risk of blackouts on Thursday evening.

Victoria's heatwave prompted emergency action.

A lack of reserve capacity in the state's electricity grid has prompted it to make the rare move.

It is the first time in several years that the Australian Energy Market Operator has taken this step in Victoria as a way to avoid the risk of involuntary load shedding caused by overwhelming demand. 

The action comes after months of warnings that Victoria's energy reserves would be stretched tight this summer, following the closure of the Hazelwood coal-fired power plant in March.

Read Adam Carey’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Electricity grid operator hits emergency button to avoid system overload.”