South Australia (SA1) experienced a moderate price spike reaching $360.55/MWh across two consecutive intervals (22:55 and 23:00 on 22 June 2026), representing a sharp increase from the preceding $299–$300/MWh range. The spike was relatively short-lived, lasting only two intervals in the evening period.
Multiple binding constraints with material marginal values were active during the spike, with constraint F_Q++8C_L6 contributing $14.6/MWh and constraint F_T+LREG_0050 contributing $13.99/MWh, together accounting for approximately 7.9% of the peak price. The generation mix shows elevated reliance on gas-fired generation (CCGT and OCGT combined ~1.6 GW), whilst solar output had declined to near-minimal levels (10 MW) in the evening, consistent with end-of-day conditions. The binding constraints and elevated gas dispatch suggest network or system limitations constraining supply flexibility during the evening demand period.
Causal analysis generated by gridIQ's synthesis model from live AEMO market data: dispatch prices, generation mix, interconnector flows and market notices in the interval surrounding the event.