PeakSmart events

Every now and then, the network reaches a point of extreme stress, such as during a heat wave, when households and businesses across South East Queensland switch on their air conditioners at the same time. On these occasions, our innovative PeakSmart technologies are called on to help manage demand. We call this a PeakSmart event.

PeakSmart air-conditioners receive signals from our network when we experience unusually high demand. The signal tells the air-conditioner to drop into an energy efficient mode, similar to an economy setting.

South East Queensland's electricity network is robust, so PeakSmart events may only occur on a few occasions per year. The technology is designed to be 'set and forget' so you won't have to do anything or notice a difference to your comfort.

Demand Response Modes

There are a number of performance responses for signalling appliances. There are 3 Demand Response Modes (DRM) for air-conditioners, depending on how extreme the need for demand management becomes.

1. DRM1: Compressor off
2. DRM2: capped to operate at 50%
3. DRM3: capped to operate at 75%

Our signals are also equipped to target specific regional groups of air-conditioners, depending on areas of maximum need for demand management.

Pre 2023

View all PeakSmart events prior to 2023.

Read our FAQs for find out more on PeakSmart events.