With temperatures expected to hit 43 degrees, the NSW government has asked people to reduce their electricity use during peak periods this weekend.
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NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean asked for residents to reduce their power use especially between 5pm and 9pm.
"The tight conditions in the electricity system in NSW, the ACT and Victoria are as a result of heat wave conditions causing consistent high demand, damage to transmission infrastructure in Victoria and mechanical problems at a number of the State's coal fired power stations," Mr Kean said.
Mr Kean said there steps that people could take to reduce their electricity use including;
- closing blinds, doors and windows to keep the heat out;
- switching off non-essential appliances or those not in use;
- turning off the pool pump if you have a pool;
- delaying using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and dryers until after 9pm; and
- setting air conditioners to a minimum of 24 degrees, and only using air conditioners in occupied rooms.
"During similar heatwave incidents experienced in recent weeks, consumer response went a long way to reducing the load on the grid," Mr Kean said.
"With the community and the government working together during this period of extreme weather we can help minimise disruption to the energy grid."
For people wanting to beat the heat, or who have a medical condition which could be aggravated by the heat, further information is available online at www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat.
