Millions of Australians could face increased blackout risks within years, according to a stark warning from the nation's energy market regulator that has sparked furious political debate.
Grid Stability Concerns Mount
The Australian Energy Market Operator has revealed that from 2027, Australia's east coast faces a heightened risk of power outages. The core issue stems from concerns that the electricity grid remains unprepared for the scheduled shutdown of Eraring, the nation's largest coal power station located in NSW's Lake Macquarie region.
Critical infrastructure needed to stabilise the grid following Eraring's closure will not be installed in time, creating potential vulnerabilities during periods of high demand, such as heatwaves.
Political Blame Game Erupts on National Television
The warning triggered a heated exchange on Channel Seven's Sunrise programme between host Nat Barr, federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce.
Barr expressed frustration with both sides of politics, telling Minister Plibersek: "You are, but it is slow. This report shows that we have a lack of system security... We need more electricity and all of a sudden, a hot day, so this is a problem."
Plibersek blamed the previous Coalition government for the current predicament, stating: "It is true, all of this would have been better if it had started 10 years ago but we are dealing with what we inherited."
In a surprising admission, Joyce conceded his government's failure to act, saying: "That was a mistake, wasn't it? We should be building new coal fired power stations. I can say that now." However, he criticised Labor's renewable energy policy, claiming it was "wrecking the grid."
Race Against Time for Solutions
The New South Wales government confirms it is working to accelerate Transgrid's plan to install grid-stabilising machinery. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe announced: "The NSW government is accelerating the delivery of synchronous condensers by 18 months, and passed legislation to do this. After a decade of inaction, NSW is in a race to replace our ageing coal-fired power stations."
Meanwhile, Origin Energy has not ruled out operating Eraring beyond its planned August 2027 closure date. A company spokeswoman told the Australian Financial Review: "It is up to Origin to make a good decision, which we'll do with our customers and energy security for the people of New South Wales in mind."
With the clock ticking toward the 2027 deadline, the pressure is mounting on all parties to ensure Australia's energy security remains stable during this critical transition period.
