New power peak reached

Release Date: 02 February 2009

Western Power recorded a new peak in the electricity network today after the third consecutive day over 35 degrees.  The south west grid recorded 3,746MW at 4.30 pm today, a 3.5% increase from last year's peak of 3,624MW.  The increase is enough to power six desalination plants.

Western Power General Manager System Management Mr Ken Brown said electricity consumption on Sunday was also very high.

"During the weekend power decreases as industry, commercial and schools are not operating.  On Sunday however, the peak hit 3200 MW, which was a record for power consumption on a Sunday. 

"Last night's power consumption was also unusually high and remained above 1900 MW, a 30% increase on average overnight energy consumption.  The high humidity and temperature meant people left air conditioners running all night, keeping consumption high. 

"This just goes to show how much impact residential air conditioners have on peak power usage.

"With such a high peak today it is timely to remind people that every time we consume large amounts of electricity as a community generators burn a great deal of fossil fuels to generate this electricity and produce a lot of greenhouse gas emissions.

"We need to ask ourselves if there is anyway we can reduce our electricity use."

TIPS to beat the heat and the peak

  • Set your air-conditioner to 24 degrees or above - you'd be surprised how cool it is
  • Don't run air-conditioners all day if you aren't at home
  • Turn off appliances and lights that aren't being used
  • Keep your blinds and shades closed to keep your house as cool as possible
  • Every degree higher you set your air conditioner saves you 10% on your cooling costs.
  • When the sea breeze arrives, open the windows.

(ENDS)
Media Contact - Marisa Chapman 1300 139 240

 

Background
Peak electricity is driven primarily by air conditioners and WA has the highest penetration in the nation. 

The increase in use has been rapid, rising from 47% of homes in 1999 to 92% of homes in 2008.  A large number of people are now purchasing a second and third air conditioner to cool their home.

This is why Western Power is running the Beat the Peak campaign to help people better understand how they use their electricity.

Currently $60 -100 million is spent each year to ensure the network meets peak demand. The peak is now occurring over very short periods of time totalling only two and half days a year, making the multi million dollar investment very uneconomical.

Air conditioner use in Perth amounts to almost a quarter of power consumed on the hottest days in February and March.

On the hottest days last summer, when approximately 3600MW of power was being consumed, about 1000MW was attributed to air conditioner use.  1000MW is enough to power 400,000 homes.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au