Climate advocacy group 350.org called on COP31 host candidates Australia and Turkey to establish firm coal exit dates and fossil fuel phase-out strategies. The organisation stated that the current resource policies of both nations undermine their bids to lead the United Nations climate summit. In market analysis, WattClarity reviewed daily statistics for the MacIntyre Wind Farm over the 26 months to 4 October 2026. WattClarity stated the review followed reports regarding construction and commissioning delays at the project.
The NEM average price settled at $83.7/MWh, with South Australia recording the highest regional average at $130.3/MWh. South Australia reached the highest price of $390/MWh at 14:40, while Queensland experienced 17.3 hours of negative prices. New South Wales reached a demand peak of 7,824 MW at 18:30. Renewables supplied 46.3 per cent of energy, hitting an instantaneous peak of 76.6 per cent at 12:15, and batteries discharged 13,595 MWh. Total FCAS costs were $64,180.
AEMO issued six notices regarding prices subject to review on the morning of 4 October 2026. AEMO placed prices under review for six consecutive intervals between 09:25 and 09:50.
Natural gas prices increased by 2.3 per cent to US$3.04/mmbtu.
AEMO submitted its perspective on the evolving planning landscape to the ISP Review. AEMO opened consultation on a proposal to reclassify some East Coast gas technical protocol documents, with submissions closing on 16 October 2026. Submissions for the AEMO discussion paper AEPC_2026_17 close on 28 October 2026. AEMO published a Project Assessment Draft Report on maintaining reliability of supply at the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns areas, accepting submissions until 11 November 2026. Submissions for the AEMO Project Specification Consultation Report on the Thomastown terminal capacity constraint close on 22 December 2026. The AER is preparing a determination on the maximum revenue Powerlink can earn from customers over the period from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2032.
Jemena Electricity Networks welcomed the AER approval of its 2026-31 Electricity Pricing and Services Plan. Jemena stated the plan will strengthen its role in the energy transition while reducing distribution costs for customers. The AER is assessing an Essential Energy cost pass through application to recover costs incurred due to a 2025 North Coast weather event in New South Wales.