QLD1 experienced minor negative pricing during early morning hours on 13 July 2026, with two intervals settling at negative prices (minimum -$1.49/MWh). The region's generation mix was dominated by solar and black coal, totalling over 11.5 GW, whilst demand was relatively low during the pre-dawn period.
Negative pricing in QLD1 reflects a supply surplus during low-demand morning hours, with high solar output (2548–2632 MW) and committed black coal generation (3635.72 MW) unable to be efficiently curtailed. The binding constraint F_T+RREG_0050 with marginal values of $5.03–$6.21/MWh suggests system constraints were limiting dispatch flexibility, forcing inflexible generators to operate at a loss to maintain system security and maintain adequate reserves.
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.