Western Australia power supply sucks

Xon · Post by **Xon** » 2004-02-17 06:24pm

For those poor people in Western Australia, the last few days havent exactly been the best.

Record temperatures(rarely dropping below 30 degrees), in the 38-41 degree range and high humidity(+40%) at those temperatures.

Its a frigen sauna when you step outside when its +40 degrees with nearly 50% relative humidity. And a change in ther temperature not expected for several days

Now to the real issue:
The Western Australian power grid is currently is in a very poor state.

Gas from a gas pipeline has been shutoff for 'emergency repairs'(the exact term used by the company responsible for it) which provides a chunk of gas to the Gas power plants we have.

The Coal powerplants are running at reduced capacity, after some fucknut didnt order enough coal due to budget constraints.

Combinded with the general corner cutting due to budget fuckups by the State government, and the current temperatures, something has to go. And its the power availability.

Western Power can enforce a act, which allows them to fine individuals or businesses who use Air Conditioning (aka high load). To the tune of $1000 AUS for an individual and $10k for businesses. Its isnt going to be enforced till Western Power observes how demand goes today. But it is enforcable

Rolling power blackouts are expected today, with more hidious temperaturs & conditions on the way.

I know who I'm not voting for in next the State election.

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2004-02-17 10:21pm

Sounds like some real fun, I'd expect people would favor banning the use of everything but air conditioning.... But don't worry; you don't matter to the world or even your own national government, so there's no real loss to the rest of us.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2004-02-17 10:31pm

Sea Skimmer wrote:Sounds like some real fun, I'd expect people would favor banning the use of everything but air conditioning.... But don't worry; you don't matter to the world or even your own national government, so there's no real loss to the rest of us.

That's the kind of apathy a man can admire.

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2004-02-18 01:00am

No air conditioners in summer is going toi be very uncomfortable.

Xon · Post by **Xon** » 2004-02-18 01:17am

Sea Skimmer wrote:Sounds like some real fun, I'd expect people would favor banning the use of everything but air conditioning.... But don't worry; you don't matter to the world or even your own national government, so there's no real loss to the rest of us.

Yup.

People will grumble, but we should see the results at the next state election which is fairly soon.

But like you said, it really doesnt matter to anyone who doesnt live in perth.

Archaic` · Post by **Archaic`** » 2004-02-18 03:18am

Now you know how us Queenslanders have felt all these years. ;p

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2004-02-18 04:38pm

evilcat4000 wrote:No air conditioners in summer is going toi be very uncomfortable.

Not if your houses are not heating up too much

Around here, virtually no one has AC...