Thread: Big storm and no power in SA

Going by previous posts on this thread, the contents of which are apparently going to affect all of us, many on here know far more about electricity supply, & how it works, than I do.
I have never agreed with the closing of Hazlewood, still don't, mainly I guess, because it was closed without any replacement, and that a lot of people, many outside Victoria, are going to have to pay substantially more for their electricity.
I say this because it was on the radio this morning that S.A. is going to be hardest hit, with consumers paying an average of $150p.a. more, followed by Vic at $90p.a. more.
Plus, as has been mentioned on here, more pressure will be placed on the "grid", making "blackouts" more likely.
Just can't see anything positive about this at all.
Pickles.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Going by previous posts on this thread, the contents of which are apparently going to affect all of us, many on here know far more about electricity supply, & how it works, than I do.
I have never agreed with the closing of Hazlewood, still don't, mainly I guess, because it was closed without any replacement, and that a lot of people, many outside Victoria, are going to have to pay substantially more for their electricity.
I say this because it was on the radio this morning that S.A. is going to be hardest hit, with consumers paying an average of $150p.a. more, followed by Vic at $90p.a. more.
Plus, as has been mentioned on here, more pressure will be placed on the "grid", making "blackouts" more likely.
Just can't see anything positive about this at all.
Pickles.

The positive out of it is that the dirtiest power station in the country is closing. The benefits to the local residents and the environment far outweigh the short term pain of it closing. Wind and solar were never even thought of when it was built, and we actually have heaps more capacity in renrewables now than what Hazelwood will leave a shortfall of.

The problem is with so many people is they just look at the small picture and how it will effect themselves...

Originally Posted by Pickles2

I have never agreed with the closing of Hazlewood, still don't, mainly I guess, because it was closed without any replacement, and that a lot of people, many outside Victoria, are going to have to pay substantially more for their electricity.
I say this because it was on the radio this morning that S.A. is going to be hardest hit, with consumers paying an average of $150p.a. more, followed by Vic at $90p.a. more.

Electricity bills to rise by $78 from mid next year, Australian Energy Market Commission says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)


Energy bills in WA to climb $200 in next two years, Australian Energy Market Commission says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The problem is with so many people is they just look at the small picture and how it will effect themselves..

I think this response is unworthy of a moderator.

Lets look at the BIG picture then.

Businesses in SA are faced right now with excessive spot energy prices.

BHP cannot be guaranteed energy reliability at Olympic Dam.

Whenever the wind doesn't blow SA is using the dirtiest energy in the country making a mockery of their so called environmental awareness.

I could go on, but as Dale Carnegie says"argument will never change BELIEFS"
even when the FACTS of the situation are presented. ( my addition)

Regards Philip A

Various reports have predicted that future electricity price rises could be reduced by varying amounts depending on which prediction was accepted if an electricity emissions trading scheme was adopted because it would encourage a shift towards building newer and cheaper power sources.
However, this government's conservative extremists refuse to accept any form of emissions trading and prefer dirty coal power to cleaner energy sources. They are putting ideology ahead of practicality and we are all going to be billed extra to pay for their dogged refusal to update their way of thinking.
Obviously, the best response by individual consumers is to reduce the amount of electricity we buy, which is why solar power sales are exploding.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.smh...droid-optus-au

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I have not read the Finkel reprot but the article belies the headline.
what assumptions are used?

Are they that OZ meets the 28% Renewables target.

It would seem so.

So what if there wasn't a 28% Renewables target?

Then coal power could continue and be much cheaper than the alternatives.
The devil is always in the detail in these reports.

Seeing that wind is subsidised at enormous amounts and there is a requirement for distributors to buy wind when available or be fined , then almost certainly electricity would be much cheaper if there was no Renewable Energy Target.

Regards Philip A

Coal is also heavily subsidised. For example the Turnbull government is going to give a $1billion loan for the rail line for the Adani coal mine. Once wind and solar are built their operating costs are lower than coal, plus they don't make emissions. A proper comparison requires all factors to be considered - its very complicated because many subsidies are hidden.

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Originally Posted by PhilipA

Businesses in SA are faced right now with excessive spot energy prices.

Gaming the spot market has been going on since long before wind energy was a thing in SA. This behaviour is just the healthy free market at work, what's not to love? Businesses could be into power production and gain the same benefits if they wanted to...

Originally Posted by PhilipA

BHP cannot be guaranteed energy reliability at Olympic Dam.

Relying on for-profit privately owned generators was never going to be a 100% reliable thing, smart companies organise their own energy supplies. I believe BHP has signed up Pelican Point as prime energy supplier to Olympic Dam to reduce their potential outages.

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Whenever the wind doesn't blow SA is using the dirtiest energy in the country making a mockery of their so called environmental awareness.

Moving a whole state from 100% coal power to 0% coal power by necessity involves a stage where a middling percentage is from coal. Currently renewable power supplies around 40% of the state's needs, and this figure will increase over time. Magic tricks won't do it but smart investment will.