Power Demand Surges Amid Heatwave... Temporarily Exceeds Forecast at '94.1GW'

Supply Reserve Rate Drops to 11.4%

On the 7th, nationwide heatwaves caused a surge in electricity usage, triggering an emergency in power supply and demand. At one point, electricity demand exceeded 94GW, causing the supply reserve margin to drop to 10.7GW.

According to the Korea Power Exchange as of 4:40 PM that day, electricity demand reached 94.1GW. Considering the supply capacity (104.8GW), the reserve margin was 10.7GW, with a reserve rate dropping to 11.4%.

Earlier, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy forecasted that electricity demand would rise to 92.9GW in the afternoon of the 7th and 8th. The Korea Power Exchange had expected the peak power on the 7th between 5 and 6 PM to be 92.7GW. However, the actual peak electricity demand exceeded the forecast by more than 1GW. Nevertheless, by 5 PM, electricity demand decreased to 93.4GW, and the supply reserve rate stood at 11.9%.

The government has been operating a summer countermeasure period since June 15. Currently, an emergency system is in place to prepare for this week’s peak. On the morning of the 7th, Minister Lee Chang-yang of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy 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 the preparation status by touring major facilities such as the control room managing power plant operations and the underground power plant where gas turbines are operating.

Minister Lee stated, "We have secured sufficient supply capacity by mobilizing nuclear and thermal power generation in preparation for this week’s demand increase. However, unexpected heatwaves or variability in solar power generation during peak hours may occur, so we will monitor the situation in real time and manage supply and demand without any gaps." He added, "Ultimately, it is the public who determines demand, so we ask everyone to participate in energy saving this week and refrain from cooling stores with doors open."

As the heatwave continues and power shortages are a concern, many businesses are operating with their doors open while running air conditioning. On the 7th, businesses in Myeongdong, Seoul, are open and operating. Photo by Huh Younghan younghan@

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