Solar panels switched off by energy authorities to stabilise South Australian electricity grid

Energy authorities in South Australia have used their new power to remotely switch off thousands of household solar panels for the first time, making the intervention when electricity demand plunged over the weekend.

Last year, transmission authorities were given permission to deliberately “trip” existing rooftop solar panels in rare circumstances to prevent sudden dips in demand leading to widespread blackouts.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recommended the measure as a means of…