What's behind the energy crisis on Australia's east coast?

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Kogan Creek coal-fired power station, Queensland, Australia

Queensland'deki Kogan Creek Termik Santrali Source: Universal Images Group Editorial

Australia's Energy Market Operator [AEMO] has made an unprecedented intervention this week amid the energy crisis gripping the country's east coast. Following the threat of blackouts in several states, AEMO suspended the spot market for wholesale electricity for the first time, in a bid to secure reliable supplies.

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Published 19 June 2022 2:07pm

By Claire Slattery

Presented by Ricky Kusumo

Source: SBS

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Australia's Energy Market Operator [AEMO] has made an unprecedented intervention this week amid the energy crisis gripping the country's east coast. Following the threat of blackouts in several states, AEMO suspended the spot market for wholesale electricity for the first time, in a bid to secure reliable supplies.

What is the so-called spot market, and what does this AEMO freeze mean for energy consumers?

Australia's current energy crisis has been going on for years, but reached a new height of drama this week with an unprecedented move by national regulators.

Amid warnings of possible blackouts in the eastern states, Energy Market Operator Australia took steps to suspend the national electricity spot market for the first time.

In announcing the move, AEMO chief Daniel Westerman said the system had become impossible to operate, and that its suspension would ensure a reliable and safe supply.