The extreme temperatures have focussed political attention across the country on energy security.

It's emerged that a lack of wind power wasn't the only cause of South Australia's blackouts earlier this week.

A Senate inquiry heard yesterday that several thermal power generators in the state also experienced sudden, unexpected outages in the hours leading up to the blackouts.

New South Wales struggled through yesterday's extreme heat with limited power outages. Residents were encouraged to go to the movies, rather than turn on their air conditioners in peak periods.

Political reporter Tom Iggulden has more from Canberra.

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Jenny McAllister, Labor Senator

Nick Xenophon, Nick Xenophon Team Senator

Joe Adamo, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

David Swift, AEMO