Rooftop solar drives record lows in grid demand and coal output in New South Wales

Rooftop solar power in New South Wales (NSW) has driven electricity demand and coal output to record lows. The Australian Energy Market Operator reported that operational demand fell to 3,121 MW in NSW and 10,073 MW across the National Electricity Market over the weekend. Rooftop solar generation reached a peak of 58.9% in NSW, prompting concerns from AEMO about system security. The operator has begun issuing alerts for "Minimum System Load," which may lead to temporary solar shutdowns or battery use to manage demand. NSW plans to implement a solar switch-off mechanism by September 2025, joining other states with similar programs. These measures aim to address challenges posed by high renewable energy output during low demand periods.