It suggests that to ensure grid reliability, coal and nuclear — so-called base load generators — should be paid to maintain a 90-day stockpile of fuel.

Unlike wind and solar, coal and nuclear plants operate 24/7; that’s why they’re called base-load power sources. Base-load power is also critical for ensuring grid resiliency and reliability.

This means that a hydroelectric generator would start and provide electric power to the grid and provide the necessary amount of electricity to other large base load generators such as fossil fuel ...

Without base-load producers, there simply is not enough energy to sufficiently supply the grid at all times of day, no matter how many solar or wind facilities get tacked on.

Steggall may or may not be surprised to learn that at 5.15 am on Friday, 92 per cent of NSW's electricity was provided by antiquated base load generators.