Victoria’s network businesses and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) advise that scheduled electricity supply interruptions to ensure power system security commenced from 12:00pm, Friday 25 January 2019, and could last up to two hours
This initiative follows the activation of all available resources procured under the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader mechanism in Victoria.
Coordinated supply interruptions are required to maintain electricity supply and protect the power system as Victoria deals with record-breaking high temperatures, high demand and reduced generation availability.
AEMO has instructed load shedding of approximately 200 megawatts (MW) and as a result, approximately 60,000 Victorian customers are expected to be affected by power outages as a result of electricity supply disruptions.
Regions to be impacted include parts of: Epping, Mill Park, Lysterfield, Rowville, Clyde, Cranbourne East; Southbank, Armadale, Toorak, Camberwell, Fairfield, Northcote, Caulfield, Elwood, Beaumaris, Bulleen, Burwood, Riversdale, Bentleigh, Heathdale, Balaclava, Malvern, Balwyn, Surrey Hills, Essendon, Essendon North, Strathmore, Glenroy, Oak Park, Kalkallo, Broadmeadows, West Footscray, Fairfield, Ivanhoe, Alphington, Airport West, East Keilor, Niddrie, Ascot Vale, and Moonee Pond, Camperdown, Weerite, Yarrawonga, Bundalong, Castlemaine Muckleford, Lara, Corio, Norlane, Herne Hill, Hamlyn Heights, Balmoral, Haven, Woolsthorpe, Grassmere and Mailers Flat.
At this stage, we are expecting more favourable weather and supply-demand conditions mid-afternoon, reducing the need for scheduled supply interruptions into the evening, barring further major generation issues.
AEMO, as the national power system operator, will continue to provide media with a state-wide overview of the situation on behalf of the Victorian electricity supply industry, until conditions improve.
Media requests for high level, summary information about the electricity supply disruption, or interviews, should be directed to AEMO.
Media inquiries regarding specific power outages or areas affected should be directed to the appropriate electricity distribution business listed below.
Electricity safety matters should be directed to Energy Safe Victoria.