Curtains closed, devices off as government declares power ‘emergency’
Public servants in Queensland government buildings have been ordered to take extraordinary measures to reduce pressure on the electricity network in an effort “to avoid forced blackouts in selected suburbs or regions”.
In an email sent out on Wednesday, the state Department of Public Works and Housing revealed the increased risk of power shortages would require public servants to consume less electricity on Thursday and Friday between 6am and 6pm.
Queensland is in the grip of a three-day heatwave, which has led to increased electricity consumption through the use of air-conditioning and pool pumps, and may have already caused thousands of homes in Brisbane to lose power on Wednesday.
Public servants in Queensland government buildings have been ordered to conserve power.Credit: Matt Dennien
With temperatures in Brisbane set to hit 33 on Thursday, and 37 on Friday, there are fears Energex will be hit with record demand, nearly a year to the day after the last peak demand period triggered blackouts in Brisbane’s south-east.
On the day Treasurer David Janetzki is due to hand down a budget update, his department will seek to enforce the little-known Queensland Electricity Supply Emergency Response Plan.
Public servants are required to implement “all or some” of a series of measures, which include running laptops on batteries only and turning off second computer screens.
The email ordering public servants to conserve electricity during Queensland’s heatwave.Credit: Queensland Government
“Close all blinds or curtains to minimise heat,” the email recommends, while also urging public servants to “turn off unnecessary lighting”.
Onsite managers in government-owned and leased buildings may also isolate lifts and alter air-conditioning settings and timing.
