A widespread power outage on Sunday evening plunged over 25,000 homes in Ipswich, Ripley, Raceview, and Camira into darkness, raising concerns about the resilience of southeast Queensland’s electricity grid as the region braces for a scorching summer.
The outage, which struck at the peak of a heatwave that saw temperatures climb to a sweltering 30°C, left residents without power for several hours. It disrupted Christmas gatherings and raised fears of a repeat of last year’s Christmas blackouts.
Energex confirmed that the surge in demand, driven by residents seeking relief from the heat with air conditioners and fans, overwhelmed parts of the network. While sufficient power was available in the system overall, the prolonged high temperatures and energy use caused localised strain, triggering protective mechanisms that shut down sections of the grid to prevent equipment damage.
Ipswich bore the brunt of the outages, with suburbs like Ripley, Camira, Collingwood Park, and Redbank Plains experiencing the most prolonged disruptions. Power was largely restored by 10:00 p.m., but some residents, particularly in Ripley, reported ongoing issues with their electricity supply and internet connectivity well into Monday morning.
The situation has sparked a debate about the capacity of the region’s electricity infrastructure to cope with the increasing demands of hot summers. Veteran Ipswich councillor Paul Tully criticised Energex’s handling of the situation, labelling the blackout “one of the worst in decades” and raising concerns about the lack of warning and information provided to residents. He also highlighted the potential for damage to household appliances caused by the power fluctuations.
Michelle Farquhar, Queensland head of the Australian Industry Group, stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences over Christmas. She emphasised the importance of understanding the grid’s readiness for future heat waves, especially in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Residents took to social media to share their experiences, expressing frustration, resilience, and humour. While some lamented the inconvenience and disruption to their Christmas plans, others praised the efforts of Energex crews working in challenging conditions to restore power. Many residents also shared stories of community spirit, with offers of assistance and shared meals among neighbours.
This incident has reignited concerns about the adequacy of southeast Queensland’s ageing electricity infrastructure and its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Energy experts have warned of the potential risks associated with brownouts, including damage to household appliances and disruptions to essential services. With the peak of summer still to come, questions linger about the grid’s ability to meet the rising demand and whether necessary upgrades have been adequately addressed.
Published Date 12-December-2024