5 PM This Summer's 'Power Peak'... Government Urges "Avoid Cooling with Open Doors"

Maximum Power Demand Forecast for July 7-8
Peak Demand 92.9GW · Supply Capacity 104GW... Reserve Margin Secured Over 11GW
Minister of Industry Inspects Seoul Combined Power Plant Responsible for Power Supply in the Capital Region

On the afternoons of the 7th and 8th, electricity demand is expected to reach this summer's peak (maximum power). The power authorities have secured a supply capacity 11GW greater than the maximum power demand, anticipating stable electricity supply, while also activating an emergency system to prepare for possible equipment failures.

As the heatwave continues and concerns about power shortages rise, many businesses are operating with their doors open while running air conditioning. On the 7th, cosmetic stores in Myeongdong, Seoul, kept their doors open with the air conditioners on. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 7th, electricity demand is expected to increase up to 92.9GW on the afternoon of the day and the following day, marking this summer's peak. This maximum power demand ranks as the third highest in history, following December 23 last year (94.5GW) and July 7 last year (93GW).

An official from the Ministry stated, "Typhoon Khanun is pushing hot air onto the Korean Peninsula, and as major industrial facilities return from vacation, electricity demand is expected to increase significantly this week. Reflecting the latest Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts, electricity demand is expected to reach this summer's peak this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon."

The Korea Power Exchange also forecasted that the peak power time on this day will be between 5 and 6 p.m., with maximum power reaching 92.7GW. The supply reserve during this time is expected to maintain a 'normal' status at 11.4GW (reserve rate 12.3%). Alerts are issued based on reserve capacity as follows: ▲4.5GW 'Interest' ▲3.5GW 'Caution' ▲2.5GW 'Warning' ▲1.5GW 'Severe'.

The power supply capacity is secured at 104GW. Unit 2 of Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant (0.95GW), which was shut down in July, received reactivation approval from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission on the 4th and is now operating normally, contributing to stable power supply during the peak week. Even with a peak demand of 92.9GW, more than 11GW of reserve capacity remains.

As the heatwave continues and electricity demand rises, an official is checking the power supply situation at the System Operation Center of the Power Management Department, Korea Electric Power Corporation Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on the 2nd. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

However, when the reserve capacity drops to around 10.7GW (Stage 1), measures such as ▲peak demand demand response (DR) ▲sequential suspension of air conditioning in public institutions ▲demand reduction in high electricity consumption buildings ▲trial operation of Yangsan combined heat and power plant will be implemented. At an expected 7.5GW (Stage 2), coal power plant output will be increased, and if it falls below 5.5GW (Stage 5), remote control of air conditioners and emergency power-saving demand adjustments will be enforced.

Last summer's maximum electricity demand was 93GW, with a reserve rate dropping to 7.2% (reserve capacity 6.7GW) compared to a supply capacity of 99.7GW. This summer, the maximum power demand is expected to be lower than last year, while supply capacity has increased by 4.3GW from 99.7GW to 104GW.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expects no issues in power supply even during the stable peak period due to sufficient supply capacity but remains vigilant. The government has been operating a summer countermeasure period since June 15. Currently, an emergency system is activated in preparation for this week's peak. On the morning of the day when the peak is expected in the afternoon, Minister Lee Chang-yang of the Ministry visited the Seoul Power Headquarters, a key power generation facility in the metropolitan area, to inspect preparations for the peak. Minister Lee received direct reports on equipment inspection status and closely examined key facilities such as the control room managing power plant operations and the underground power plant where gas turbines are operating.

If the highest temperature exceeds expectations or power equipment fails before the peak period, power supply disruptions may occur. In fact, power outages occurred consecutively in three apartment complexes in Incheon the previous day, leaving about 1,600 households temporarily without electricity. Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) believes the outages were caused by equipment overload due to increased electricity usage. Early that morning, more than 1,000 households in Gwangju also experienced inconvenience due to a blackout.

Minister Lee said, "We have secured sufficient supply capacity by mobilizing nuclear and thermal power plants in preparation for this week's demand increase, but unexpected heatwaves or variability in solar power generation during peak hours may occur. We will monitor the situation in real time and manage supply and demand without any gaps." He also requested, "Ultimately, it is the public who determines demand, so please participate in energy saving this week and refrain from air conditioning with open doors in some stores."

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