Record High Peak Power of 93.8GW Amid Heatwave and Tropical Nights

Maximum Summer Power Demand Continues to Increase Over the Past 3 Years
Cooling Load Rises... Power Supply Remains Stable

Due to the consecutive heatwaves and tropical nights, the electricity demand on the afternoon of the 5th reached a record summer peak of 93.8GW (gigawatts). It was reported that this summer's highest electricity demand was recorded because cooling loads increased while solar power generation decreased.

According to the Korea Power Exchange, as of 5 p.m. that day, the supply capacity was 102.3GW and the reserve margin was 8.5GW, indicating that electricity supply and demand remained stable despite the increase in electricity demand. The cause of the increased electricity demand is attributed to the heatwaves and tropical nights caused by the Tibetan high pressure and North Pacific high pressure systems that have been affecting the Korean Peninsula for a long time, which increased cooling loads. In addition, the Korea Power Exchange reported that unstable atmospheric conditions caused heavy showers, reducing solar power generation and leading to this summer's highest electricity demand.

On June 21, an employee is checking the power generation output status at the Central Control Room of Korea Midland Power's Seoul Power Headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Jung Dong-hee, Director of the Korea Power Exchange, stated, "As the highest summer demand is expected after the vacation season, we will monitor abnormal weather and operational status on a weekly basis."

The maximum summer electricity demand over the past three years was 91.2GW in 2021, 93GW in 2022, and 93.6GW in 2023.