Power Usage Reduced at Samsung, Toyota, GM Factories Amid Texas Power Shortage (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Sunmi Park and Hyunjin Jung] As the state of Texas in the U.S. ordered companies with local production facilities to reduce electricity usage, global companies such as Samsung Electronics, Toyota Motor, and General Motors (GM) significantly cut their power consumption.

On the 15th, Samsung Electronics stated, "We have partially reduced electricity usage at our semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas," adding, "There is no issue with line operations despite the reduced power usage." Samsung Electronics also said, "We are closely monitoring weather conditions and communicating with the local government regarding power usage," and that they plan to adjust their power usage plans in consultation with the local government.

The reduction in power consumption at Samsung Electronics' Austin plant in Texas is due to the risk of power outages caused by a surge in electricity demand amid a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Texas government has requested local residents and companies to reduce electricity usage as the heatwave above 40 degrees Celsius is expected to continue for some time.

In addition to Samsung Electronics, Toyota Motor and GM also reduced their power usage. According to foreign media on the 14th (local time), Toyota announced that it reduced power supply to its assembly plant in San Antonio, southern Texas, and cut production. Toyota explained that most production before 2 p.m. will be halted until mid-next month, and evening production will also be reduced. A five-day factory shutdown was scheduled for next week due to summer, and an additional two-day shutdown is planned due to semiconductor supply shortages, making a total of seven days of factory closure regardless of the heatwave, Toyota added.

GM avoided reducing production at its assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, but announced plans to reduce air conditioning usage. Dutch chemical company LyondellBasell also stated that it is reducing power usage at its Texas plant without affecting production.

Texas energy authorities maintain their position that widespread power outages will not occur this summer despite record-breaking daily electricity usage. However, The Washington Post (WP) reported, "The severe heatwave in Texas and the Southern Plains will worsen next week," adding, "Some areas have already broken records for the hottest summer."

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