Power usage set to fall SOUTH Australian electricity consumption is set to fall over the next decade as higher rooftop solar uptake, more energy efficient building measures and soaring electricity prices reduce demand, a report has found. The state's electricity consumption is forecast to fall by an average 0.1 per cent a year to 2022-23, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator's 2013 South Australian Electricity Report, released yesterday. This reflects a slower rate of long-term growth than predicted in AEMO's report last year, and comes as the state's electricity consumption fell 0.3 per cent in 2012-13. Maximum demand increased 179 MW last financial year, but is predicted to remain flat for the next decade. Reduced electricity consumption has been attributed to the high uptake of rooftop solar systems in South Australia and energy efficiency measures from changes in building standards. Consumer responses to soaring electricity prices and lower demand from the large industrial sector because of BHP Billiton's decision in August 2012 to defer its Olympic Dam expansion are other contributing factors. AEMO said reduced consumption had deferred the need for additional generation investment, continuing a trend identified in the 2012 report, which predicted further investment would not be required for five years. "The forecast reduction in demand, coupled with increases in available generation capacity results in there being adequate generation to meet demand," the report said. There are presently 29 projects with over 4900 MW of generation capacity that have been publicly announced in South Australia. However, the 90 turbine, 270 MW Snowtown 2 wind farm remains the only project that has been committed to. A reduced need for capital expenditure on generation capacity and networks was also identified by electricity transmission service provider ElectraNet on Monday as a key factor in their decision to shed up to 45 jobs.