Victoria is expected to face its highest demand for electricity in more than five years, as sweltering hot and humid conditions lash the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian Energy Market Operator has made the forecast and is urging Victorians to reduce their energy usage between 1pm and 8pm to help prevent power blackouts.
"While there are currently sufficient electricity reserves to manage the peak electricity demand today, this situation could change," the regulator said in a statement issued on Friday.
Avoiding running additional appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, setting air conditions between 23C and 26C and temporarily switching off pool pumps are all ways people can reduce their usage, AEMO said.
But it has stressed people's health and wellbeing remains the highest priority and they should only conserve energy when it is safe to do so.
The regulator says electricity disruptions might unfold if higher demand is met with unplanned generation or transmission issues.
"For example, should a major generator fail, or weather conditions further deteriorate," AEMO said.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 40C in Victoria on Friday, including a forecast top of 43C in Melbourne.
The heat is expected to worsen fire conditions, with severe fire danger forecast for Friday in the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West and Central districts.
A total fire ban is in place for all state regions except Gippsland and the northeast.
Bushfire-ravaged East Gippsland was already experiencing the effects of elevated fire danger on Thursday evening, as an emergency alert was issued for a blaze that threatened lives and homes.
The alert was later downgraded to "watch and act" level.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said current blazes are expected to become more active and there is a high risk of new fires starting.
"The west of the state, where we haven't had fires, it is incredibly dry ... and the risk of new starts will be significant," she told reporters on Thursday.
Victoria's heat will be met with possible flash flooding and muddy rain from late Friday.
The increased humidity combined with extreme heat will create tropical oppressive weather that will make Melbourne feel more like Darwin.
Melburnians have been urged to be aware of potential changes to public transport during the hot spell.
