Blackout concerns run high as temperatures soar
Major manufacturing companies across Victoria and South Australia may need to shut down operations over the weekend to prevent power blackouts as the weather heats up.
Temperatures of around 41 degrees in Melbourne and Adelaide on Saturday and 38 degrees in Sydney on Sunday will drive up electricity usage as residents try to cool their homes.
The Australian Energy Market Operator is working with 14 businesses that have large factories and smelters and use a significant portion of the two states' electricity.
The national regulator has made deals with the companies to reduce operations over the weekend to free up more supply for households.
The arrangement aims to prevent the sporadic blackouts, especially in South Australia, that occurred last summer.
The hot conditions have also prompted total fire bans across Victoria and most of South Australia on Saturday.
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