‘From 18:17 (6.17pm) yesterday, AEMO instructed NSW’s transmission operator Transgrid to shed a total of 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity supply near Lismore in response to issues threatening power system security,’ an Essential Energy spokesperson told The Echo.
‘Earlier that day (05:11) (5.11am), Transgrid’s 330 kilovolt Lismore – Coffs Harbour transmission line tripped and remained out of service. At the same time, the nearby QLD-NSW HVDC interconnector, Directlink, tripped as per design and subsequently returned to service.
‘During the evening, Directlink was unable to follow dispatch targets, further limiting the available options to supply power to the Lismore area to meet the evening demand, putting the secure operation of the power system at risk.
After load shedding had commenced at approximately 18:34, Transgrid’s 132 kilovolt Armidale – Koolkhan transmission line tripped and reclosed, and at the same time Directlink tripped and remained out of service.
‘At 19:45 (745pm), electricity demand reduced, allowing the majority of power supply to be restored by 20:00 (8pm), with full restoration by 22:00 (10pm).
Original story:
Power supplier Essential Energy says that around 24,500 customers in Ballina, Lismore and surrounding areas were impacted by an unplanned power outage earlier this evening.
An Essential Energy spokesperson told The Echo that they were directed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and TransGrid to shed load to protect transmission system security.
Essential Energy expects to restore supply to all impacted customers by 11.30pm.
Further information about AEMO and wholesale market conditions can be found at aemo.com.au.
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