"Ipswich, for example, is a hot suburb and because of the new kinds of developments that are occurring with smaller lots, less area for garden spaces and fewer street trees it tends to be significantly hotter.

"It's important when developing suburbs quickly that planning authorities take account of the need to protect existing vegetation."

Energex support manager Keiron Walsh said the local power grid was not challenged by the heat on Thursday.

"The network demand today is significantly lower than the high temperatures we experienced in January earlier this year," he said.