Load Advisor

Predispatch prices across NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD are already negative or near-zero in the current 8:25 AEST interval, with QLD the cheapest interconnected region at $52.75/MWh and NSW the highest at $75.42/MWh. TAS sits at $75.22/MWh and remains elevated throughout the forecast horizon, driven by its Basslink-constrained hydro position — operators there face a structurally higher floor and should not expect the overnight trough that mainland regions will see. WA data is stale (last settlement 9:30 AEST yesterday) and should be disregarded for today's advisory.

The standout load-shifting opportunity across all mainland regions runs from approximately 8:30 AEST through to 15:30 AEST (00:30–05:30 UTC), when predispatch windows show prices ranging from negative to low single figures per MWh across NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD. NSW will see its deepest trough around 11:00–12:00 AEST (01:00–02:00 UTC) with prices forecast below −$8.92/MWh — operators effectively get paid to consume. VIC is even more aggressive in that window, with predispatch prices reaching −$20.56/MWh around 14:00 AEST (04:00 UTC). SA tracks similarly, with lows approaching −$19.85/MWh in the same period. QLD posts its deepest discounts around 10:00–11:30 AEST (00:00–01:30 UTC) at −$25.01/MWh — the single lowest price point across all regions today and the best absolute shifting opportunity on the NEM.

Prices will rise sharply heading into the morning demand ramp. SA predispatch shows a return to $40–72/MWh from approximately 17:00 AEST onward (07:00 UTC), consistent with the current $65.07/MWh spot. NSW and VIC show similar step-changes from around 15:30–16:00 AEST (05:30–06:00 UTC) as demand builds into the working day. QLD transitions out of its negative window around 16:00 AEST (06:00 UTC) and returns toward flat pricing. Any flexible load — EV charging, industrial processes, hot water systems, battery charging cycles, chilled water pre-cooling — should be scheduled to conclude before 16:00 AEST to capture the bulk of the overnight discount and clear before the morning ramp.

**Concrete recommendation:** Schedule all deferrable load to run between 08:30 and 15:00 AEST today. Priority order by savings depth is QLD (−$25/MWh trough, 10:00–11:30 AEST), VIC (−$20/MWh, 13:30–14:30 AEST), SA (−$19/MWh, 14:00 AEST), then NSW (−$8.92/MWh, 11:00–12:00 AEST). TAS operators have no equivalent low-price window today and should time discretionary load to the $75/MWh floor rather than attempt to capture negative prices seen on the mainland.