The heat in the summer is intense, the demand for electricity is climbing every day.

Electricity demand in South Korea, which remained below 70 GW until early July this year, has gradually increased due to hot weather during the summer.

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Scorching heat in Seoul, South Korea. (Source: Yonhap)

South Korea is experiencing a historic heat wave and electricity demand is also increasing dramatically, expected to continue to rise next week as temperatures reach their peak.

South Korea's Ministry of Public Security has raised its weather emergency response level to level 2, or "severe."

To proactively respond, domestic power agencies have established emergency supply strategies and continue to improve management to prevent sudden power outages or interruptions in power supply.

According to the national electricity statistics information system, from July 1 to August 5, South Korea's electricity reserves were recorded at a stable level of about 20% of demand.

When the power supply reserve ratio, which is the remaining power ratio in the total actual power supply capacity of the manufacturing plant, is usually maintained at 10% or more, it means that the supply situation is assessed to be capable of responding to unexpected situations such as sudden demand increases or incidents.

Electricity demand in South Korea, which remained below 70 GW until early July this year, has gradually increased due to hot weather during the summer.

Since July 17, when the heavy rains ended, electricity demand has increased to a high of more than 80GW/day. The peak electricity demand this summer was recorded on July 27, when it spiked to 87GW (87,033MW). However, South Korean power utilities have secured a supply capacity of 102.2GW (102,234MW) and recorded a reserve ratio of 18%, stabilizing electricity supply and demand.

During the period from July 1 to August 5, the lowest supply reserve ratio was recorded at 17%, so there were no significant disruptions in electricity supply and demand.

However, authorities predict that after the first week of August, when the concentrated summer holidays end, industrial activities resume massively and the heat reaches its peak, electricity demand will continue to be tense.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expects electricity demand in South Korea to reach an all-time high around August 10, when electricity consumption could reach 92.5~97.8GW/day; at the same time, it warned functional units not to loosen management to prevent incidents.

The ministry has added measures to ensure backup power by testing backup generators and preparing plans to quickly respond to emergency situations.

This is the first time in four years that South Korea has reissued a severe heat warning.

Source