Australia’s key power operator suspends spot trading to avoid blackouts

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia’s key power operator has suspended the spot market for wholesale electricity all around the country in order to avoid blackouts.

In a press release on issued on Wednesday, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said that the decision was taken as it had become “impossible” to ensure a secure and reliable supply of electricity for consumers.

Daniel Westerman, the chief executive officer of AEMO, said that the operator was forced to direct 5 gigawatts of generation through direct interventions on Tuesday, adding that it was no longer possible to reliably operate the spot market or the power system this way.

“In the current situation suspending the market is the best way to ensure a reliable supply of electricity for Australian homes and businesses,” he added.