A late heatwave will test NSW’s strained electricity grid – and Perrottet can’t afford any hint of disruption

Labor backs the Coalition’s energy roadmap, but accelerated coal plant closures and renewable project delays are raising concerns

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Later this week, another late-season heatwave will sear New South Wales, potentially setting record electricity demand in March for the second time in less than a fortnight.

For many people, the warmth will be welcome after years of relatively wet seasons and Sydney’s coolest summer for maximum temperatures in 11 years.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup