Surge in Power Usage Due to Heatwave... Maximum Record Expected to Be Broken Again Tomorrow

After the rainy season ended, a full-fledged summer heatwave took hold on the 21st, with heatwave warnings issued for most regions nationwide. At Hyochang Park in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, a sparrow is drinking water at a drinking fountain. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that very hot weather will continue mainly inland for the time being. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] On the 21st, a heatwave warning issued for most regions nationwide caused a surge in electricity usage, reaching the highest level this summer.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Power Exchange, the peak power demand at 5 p.m. was recorded at 88.9GW.

At this time, power supply capacity was 99.7GW, resulting in a power reserve of 10.7GW and a reserve rate of 12.1%.

The power supply and demand remained stable, maintaining a "normal" status.

Initially, the Exchange forecasted a peak power demand of 91.4GW in the morning forecast, but the actual usage was lower than this.

The actual reserve capacity and reserve rate also significantly exceeded the forecasted 7.0GW and 7.6%, respectively.

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained, "The actual temperature was lower than the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast, and due to clear weather during the daytime, power generation from rooftop solar panels on private vehicles increased, limiting the overall rise in power demand and resulting in figures below expectations."

The peak power demand for this summer is expected to be renewed again on the 22nd, which is 'Daeseo' (Great Heat).

The power authorities plan to actively manage supply and demand, anticipating the possibility that the reserve capacity may fall below 10GW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.