Australia is running out of power and energy providers are threatening to turn the lights off as demand outweighs supply. They’ve been ordered to keep costs low and keep the power on.
But on the cold winter nights, it means they’re operating at a loss, and the network is more fragile than ever.
Power is precious in winter. And every light, heater, switch and powerpoint has become a threat to supply.
And for Sydney resident Jessica Palamara the shortage has already hit her home.
"After dinner and we were about to tidy up and all the power went out."
The consequences are clear and cold.
"We’ve got an 18-month-old in bed.. his heater went off, white noise went off, [the] monitor went off."
Australia is transitioning from coal-fired power plants to cleaner options, but with coal plants out of action, Australia is relying on gas.
But the problem is the country doesn’t have enough of it.
They aren’t importing from Russia and are exporting their own supplies to Europe, where they’re paying top dollar.
"I think I use the term it’s a bumpy winter," Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
The network is most fragile at night in Australia’s most populated cities - Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Where residents are being told, "anything you can do to lighten the load".
To make sacrifices at night.
"Anything that is superfluous. Isn’t necessary. Think about switching it off."
Or think about how to survive in the dark and cold.
And contrary to what many Kiwis think, Australia can be really cold at night.
