'54-Degree Monster Heatwave' Thailand's Power Demand Hits Record High... Electricity Rates Reduced

Perceived Temperature 54 Degrees Heatwave
Authorities to Reduce Electricity Rates Starting Next Month

The unprecedented heatwave with a perceived temperature of 54 degrees Celsius has hit Thailand, causing a surge in electricity demand, prompting the Thai government to decide to reduce electricity rates.

According to Bloomberg on the 25th, the Thai government announced that electricity demand reached an all-time high of 33,847 megawatt-hours (MWh) as of the 21st.

This is due to the unprecedented heatwave causing a sharp increase in cooling demand from households and businesses. In fact, the temperature in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, reached 42 degrees Celsius on the 22nd. The perceived temperature, including humidity, reached 54 degrees. Although April is typically the hottest month in Thailand, recent temperatures have far exceeded the usual April average of 37 degrees. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning to avoid going outside, expecting the heatwave with temperatures above 40 degrees to continue for some time.

In response to the historic heatwave, Thai authorities plan to reduce electricity rates starting from the 1st of next month to ease the energy burden on low-income households. EGAT, the state-owned electricity company of Thailand, explained the background of the rate reduction, stating, "We are currently in the peak summer season when electricity demand is typically highest," and "We expect high demand to continue from this month through May."

In particular, with the general election scheduled for next month, support for living expenses including electricity bill reductions has emerged as a major political issue. Coupled with global inflation, Thailand also recorded its highest inflation rate in 14 years last year, exacerbating difficulties for low-income citizens.

Bloomberg predicted that Thailand, a net energy importer and major tourist destination, could face economic difficulties due to the recent abnormal temperatures. It also pointed out that the Thai government, which has been struggling to solve environmental pollution problems that have sickened hundreds of thousands of people, now has one more concern.

Meanwhile, the "monster heatwave" that swept through Thailand has also affected other parts of Asia, including India. In India, the heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius has caused dozens of deaths.

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