Thread: Big storm and no power in SA

Originally Posted by Tombie

Mick. The Wind farms in SA are (or at least were) under high subsidies. Hence their favour over other production...

They are exactly one of the reasons for the high prices...

Coal and Gas generation is given lower preference and therefore charge more to cover crews and costs...

From a social equity perspective one should consider who pays these subsidies. Typically the wealthy can install solar etc and receive subsidies for their install, or can even go off grid. The renters and the poor who have no choice carry the bill.
Or as Marie Antoinette said, let them eat cake , or light a candle.

Originally Posted by AndyG

From a social equity perspective one should consider who pays these subsidies. Typically the wealthy can install solar etc and receive subsidies for their install, or can even go off grid. The renters and the poor who have no choice carry the bill.

Or as Marie Antoinette said, let them eat cake , or light a candle.

Agree...

I went Solar.. not wealthy but comfortable most of the time.. plenty of others did likewise..

When the generation companies are guaranteed profit this then flows into those who can not generate their own power.

Unit price increases to maintain profits, with less units generated.. those that need these power units then pay the penalty...

All power production plants are subsidised in some way, including coal. Examples include cheap financing, subsidised rail lines and roads and guaranteed supply contracts. It's often hidden. Best to ignore that and focus on operating costs.
Coal companies gaming the market is also a factor which has a huge impact on prices.

So, the power went off today at 3:20, and has only just come on! Got to fire up my Genset and reap the rewards!!

Originally Posted by Sitec

So, the power went off today at 3:20, and has only just come on! Got to fire up my Genset and reap the rewards!!

So, why did it go off?!
Pickles.

'A localised thunderstorm' with some amazing lightning strikes centered itself over Lyndoch, and took out a large transformer, which in turn took the power out in the surrounding area. They did well to get it back on by nightfall.

that was a pretty good thunderstorm!

Originally Posted by Eevo

that was a pretty good thunderstorm!

I was watching the Clipsal telecast & as they were worried about a storm, they showed the cloud formation, which was amazing,...a big circular cloud in the sky!
Pickles.