Breaking Records: NSW's Historic Surge in Native Demand

The maximum NSW Native/Underlying Demand reached 15,606.7 MW at 15:10 hrs on 29-02-2024, marking the first time over 15,000 MW, and a significant increase of 739.0 MW (4.97%) from the previous record of 14,867.7 MW, which was set at 15:25 hrs on 14-12-2023.

Native Demand (or Underlying Demand) represents the Total Demand plus Non-Scheduled Generation and the output from behind-the-meter Rooftop PV. The Rooftop PV figure is an interpolated 5-minute value, derived from estimated 30-minute Rooftop PV data.

Currently, we utilise a basic interpolation method to ascertain 5-minute values for Rooftop PV. While we acknowledge this method is not ideal, it is necessary due to the limitations in the data provided by AEMO.

This approach, albeit a compromise, enables us to construct a more comprehensive picture of electricity demand. It incorporates the significant, yet often underrepresented, impact of distributed energy resources like rooftop PV.

As the proportion of behind-the-meter energy sources increases, obtaining more precise information becomes increasingly crucial. Market and Network Operators rely on this data to make informed decisions, ensuring system security and maintaining the balance between supply and demand over various time scales.

Data from GPE NEMLog.