Urgent Call for Queensland Public Servants to Reduce Electricity Consumption Amid Heatwave

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Urgent Call for Queensland Public Servants to Reduce Electricity Consumption Amid Heatwave

Queensland public servants have been called upon to play their part in reducing electricity consumption during a severe heatwave affecting the state. In an effort to avoid forced blackouts in certain suburbs and regions, staff in government buildings received an urgent email instructing them to implement energy-saving measures. These measures include shutting blinds, powering devices on battery mode, using only one printer, and turning off secondary computer screens between 6am and 6pm on specific days to alleviate strain on the power supply.

The increased risk of power shortages across Queensland has led to the implementation of the state's electricity supply emergency response plan, which includes proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the heatwave. Building managers have been advised to take specific actions in owned and leased buildings, such as isolating one lift per building, adjusting air-conditioning settings, and reducing unnecessary lighting to conserve electricity. The extreme heatwave warning issued for certain parts of Queensland has seen temperatures soaring, reaching peak levels like 46 degrees Celsius in Birdsville and 36.4 degrees Celsius in Brisbane.

While forecasts suggest slightly lower maximum temperatures for the following day, there remains a concern for severe storms in certain areas, particularly inland south-east and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett region. The weather bureau has anticipated that Brisbane could reach 33 degrees Celsius, with Ipswich expecting 35 degrees Celsius, and further hotter conditions predicted for the south-east. Energex spokesperson, Danny Donald, highlighted that hot conditions have already caused power outages, mainly due to fuses popping in homes, particularly in areas with increased air conditioning usage during extreme heat.