Helping explain why electricity prices hit maximum level allowed

Nigel Wilson reporting for The Australian newspaper in November 2007 sought insights from Global-Roam on why electricity prices had recently hit the maximum of $10,000 a megawatt hour, prompting an urgent investigation from energy industry authorities:

“The National Electricity Market Management CO (Nemmco) yesterday confirmed the price spike – almost unprecedented for a weekend – but was unable to provide a reason.”

“Electricity market monitor Global-Roam reported that at 2pm on Saturday electricity in Victoria was bid to $10,000 for a five-minute dispatch period. As precisely the same time, the wholesale price quoted for South Australia reached $9670.28/MWH.”