Aug-25 NEM spot prices fell from last year's levels, but much less for TAS. Negative prices surged in QLD, exceeding SA for the first time. A cold August drove NSW, SA and VIC demand increases. SA’s FCAS hit $35.6 M, the highest since Feb-20. Gas spot prices steady while Iona storage lowered.
1.0 Highlights
1.1 Spot Market Insights
Average Prices: August 2025 average electricity spot prices ranged from a high in Tasmania of $125.22/MWh to a low in Queensland of $78.20/MWh. NSW averaged $101.25/MWh, Victoria $93.19/MWh while South Australia at $86.86/MWh, falling sharply from July’s $164.95/MWh. NSW remains the most expensive on a rolling-12-month basis (i.e. more than $119/MWh), while VIC averaged the lowest (~ $77/MWh).
• Daily Extremes: SA 5-minute spiked to $14,500/MWh and at the other end of spectrum had -$221/MWh; VIC bottomed-out lower at -$999.98/MWh; NSW peaked at $1,119/MWh then had a ‑$35.74/MWh minimum. The highest daily average for the month occurred on a Triple 'C' Monday 18 August (i.e. cold, calm and cloudy), in VIC at almost $234/MWh and NSW/TAS averaged above $211/MWh for the day.
• Year-on-Year Comparison: All mainland states recorded 35–42 % year-on-year price falls following a strong August 2024. TAS eased just 3 % below last year and more than three times August 2023 levels.
