Market Report

Recapping 2025, market sentiment shifted downward with falling Cal-26 and Q1-26 forward prices. Trading activity increased from 2024 levels, although was less than previous years. Swaps have become less popular while Options and Caps grew. Put Options increased rapidly in some Regions.

The forth coming summer will be the next pivotal point in the market. Perceptions of the risk have softened and the Q1 quarter price has heavily traded down. Will summer bite and short players get sunburnt, or will Cal-26 and onwards reflect a lower risk premia?

November added 824 MW to the NEM. High renewable output met low operational demand, creating severe pricing dislocation. Solar assets faced deep discounts against TWA prices and record-high curtailment rates. VIC registered its highest November net exports to NSW in five years.

October added 400 MW to the NEM, with BESS accounting for 70% of the new generation in 2025. Gladstone announced that it may retire as early as 2029. Solar GWA improved, but southern wind farms suffered from larger TWA discounts. VIC's export capacity in October continued its multi-year decline.

Oct 2025 witnessed significant regional price variations with NSW averaging $77.02/MWh while TAS recorded just $24.55/MWh. High renewable penetration drove substantial negative pricing, particularly in SA. Demand remained robust with annual growth across most states, supported by warmer weather

October 2025 showcased a blend of stability and dynamic shifts. Average spot prices stabilised in NSW and QLD, while SA and VIC rebounded as TAS plunged. Renewables and BESS continue to re-shape the market. Trading was dominated by hot weather preparations for Q4-25 and Q1-26. Enjoy the read.

An extra 2,219MW of capacity connected to the grid in September dominated by batteries. Meanwhile solar farms experienced acute pricing pressure. Combined renewable curtailment escalated to multi-year peaks across most regions. Interconnector flows moderated as warmer weather reduced demand.

The Q3-25 spot market was mostly subdued driving a high Sellers premium. Trading quantities increased from August levels, and Swaps traded more heavily than Options. LGC prices continued to fall. Market prices for Q4-25 are at the high end of our fair value range.

Spring renewables crushed daytime prices, FCAS costs dived, gas stayed cheap, yet cool nights pushed record peaks. Which states set demand lows, and what risks still lurk. Delve into our data-rich September wrap for further insights.

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.

The August 2025 forward market rebounded after a late July fall. VIC Cal-28 rose significantly while Q3-25 exhibited greater volatility. Options trading surged to 46% of total flow. Despite lower overall volumes, strategic opportunities emerged amid seasonal fluctuations and risk management shifts.

NEM capacity expanded by 69MW in August. Solar farm weighted prices continue to struggle while wind continues to be less adversely impacted. Batteries provided crucial FCAS in SA while VIC continued its role as a key energy hub. Lower TAS wind generation led to highest spot prices.