10 Aug 2021

Energy supply shortage a 'commercial decision' - Minister

From Checkpoint, 5:07 pm on 10 August 2021

The Energy Minister is calling out the power companies, saying last night's rolling blackouts on one of the coldest nights of the year were entirely preventable.

Thousands of households were plunged into darkness when power generators deliberately pulled the plug to manage electricity demand which had reached an all-time high.

But it appears all-important power generation backups were not up and running, despite plenty of warning a cold snap was on its way.

Amy Williams reports.