Energy security

Liquid fuel supply emergencies

When there is potential for a major interruption to the supply of fuel in the ACT, your use may be restricted. We work with fuel suppliers and retailers to manage this.

While disruptions in the fuel supply chain are quite common, liquid fuel emergencies are rare.

Liquid fuels include:

  • unleaded transport fuel
  • diesel
  • E10 (ethanol blended unleaded fuel)
  • liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

We work with the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee (NOSEC), which provides advice to the COAG Energy Council on fuel supply and the management of a national liquid fuel emergency.

Fuel rationing

In the unlikely event of a fuel emergency, the Fuels Rationing Act 2019 applies. The Act makes sure essential services such as police, ambulance, and emergency services have their required allocation of fuel to continue to deliver their services.

Fuel may also be restricted to manage fuel supply if necessary.

The Guideline for the ACT Fuel Restriction Scheme has information for the fuel industry and the community.

Electricity supply emergencies

When there is potential for an interruption to the electricity supply in the ACT, your use may be restricted. We work with electricity utilities to manage this.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) operates Australia’s national electricity market and national grid. It makes sure our power system is reliable and secure.

During a major power system emergency, the AEMO makes decisions and helps coordinate with other jurisdictions.

Gas supply emergencies

When there is potential for an interruption to the gas supply in the ACT, your use may be restricted. We work with gas utilities to manage this.

We also work with the National Gas Emergency Response Advisory Committee (NGERAC). The group has representatives from all governments across Australia, gas industry and users. The committee:

  • makes sure natural gas supply interruptions are consistently managed
  • advises on use of emergency powers during major natural gas supply shortages
  • assesses risk and impacts of major natural gas supply shortages.
Was this page helpful?
acknowledgement icon

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.