‘Our hottest day’: Brisbane set for 37 degrees as humid winds return

The hot weather comes a year after peak demand for electricity in Brisbane caused power outages.

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Temperatures topped 35 degrees in Brisbane on January 22 in 2024, and electricity provider Energex experienced greater demand for poweer than at any other time in 2023-24, 8.8 per cent higher than the previous peak.

That led to outages in Camp Hill, which the then Labor government blamed on unforeseen home renovations, new pools and air-conditioning.

Energex recently noted it also coincided with overcast conditions, when less power was produced by rooftop solar, complicating the network’s ability to respond.

“There has been considerable volatility in Queensland economic conditions, weather patterns and consumer behaviour, which all have a strong impact on peak demand,” Energex said in its annual forecasting document.

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In times of highest demand, Energex would take control of some pool pumps and air-conditioning units remotely under an arrangement with customers who benefited from cheaper tariffs.

An Energex spokesman recommended residents used energy-intensive appliances “efficiently” through the hot summer months.

“Some people are unaware their air-conditioners have internal filters that, when clogged, make the appliance labour much more than they should,” he said.

He added Energex had “additional crews on standby, back-up generation in place and reschedule planned works where needed”.

Regano said while January was typically the hottest summer month, February could bring other issues in the form of more rainfall and high humidity.

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