Load Advisor: Saturday 20 June 2026

Spot prices across the NEM are running at $70–99/MWh at 6:25 AEST, with SA1 the most expensive at $99/MWh and TAS1 the cheapest at $70/MWh. Predispatch forecasts show prices will climb sharply across all mainland regions from around 17:00 AEST, with NSW1 peaking at $191/MWh at 19:30 AEST, VIC1 hitting $184/MWh at 19:30 AEST, SA1 reaching $200/MWh at 19:30 AEST, and QLD1 spiking to $188/MWh at 18:30 AEST. Morning shoulder periods from 07:00 AEST onwards also remain elevated across NSW1, VIC1, and SA1 — all tracking $110–175/MWh through the 17:00–20:00 AEST window — driven by winter heating demand with overnight minimums sitting at 5–10°C across southern regions. Flexible loads currently active should shed or curtail before 17:00 AEST across all regions without exception.

The strongest overnight load-shifting opportunity NEM-wide runs from 12:30 AEST tonight through to 15:30 AEST tomorrow morning (02:30–05:30 UTC). In NSW1, the optimal band is 12:30–13:30 AEST at an average $68/MWh, saving up to $123/MWh against today's forecast peak. VIC1 offers the deepest absolute price — $64–66/MWh from 12:00–14:00 AEST, saving $118/MWh versus peak. QLD1 is similarly attractive at $65–66/MWh between 12:00–13:00 AEST, saving $123/MWh, and conditions remain stable through to 15:00 AEST with prices largely holding below $70/MWh. SA1 is the standout in terms of peak-to-trough spread: the 12:00–13:30 AEST window averages $72/MWh against a forecast peak approaching $200/MWh — a saving of up to $128/MWh. Note that SA1 prices show more intra-overnight variability than other regions, with a brief step up to $91/MWh around 13:30–14:30 AEST, so load scheduling precision matters more there.

TAS1 presents a different profile. Prices are relatively flat across the day, ranging from $70–80/MWh, and the evening peak is modest — forecast highs reach only $129/MWh at 19:30 AEST, far below mainland levels. The best TAS1 windows are 13:00–14:00 AEST ($71/MWh) and 14:00–15:00 AEST ($72/MWh), saving $58/MWh versus peak. For TAS1 operators the load-shifting case is weaker on absolute savings, but the 13:00–15:00 AEST band remains the cleanest entry point. QLD1 solar potential today is severely limited — cloud cover sits at 80% with 92% forecast average for the day — so afternoon price relief from rooftop PV that Queensland typically sees in winter will be minimal, reinforcing the