Power usage sets new record as temperatures soar

Power usage sets new record as temperatures soar

Schoolchildren cool off from summer heat in a small pond at their school in Chai Nat province. (Photo by Chudate Seehawong)
Schoolchildren cool off from summer heat in a small pond at their school in Chai Nat province. (Photo by Chudate Seehawong)

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) said demand for electricity hit a record high as temperatures soared across the country Tuesday.

Surpassing a record hit only two weeks ago, Egat recorded usage of 27,139 megawatts. On April 7, 27,056 MW were consumed.

Tuesday's demand also surpassed last year's peak of 26,942 MW, and it is expected to rise further. The Meteorological Department reported the average temperature today at 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Deputy energy permanent secretary Twarath Sutabutr said the ministry expected electricity demand during this year's hot season would hit new highs several times as seasonal temperatures continue to rise, according to the Meteorological Department. 

Killer temperatures: Heat blamed for death in Chai Nat

Power demand usually reaches its peak in April or May each year.  

The highest temperature recorded in Thailand came on April 27, 1960 in Uttaradit province at 44.5C. The Meteorological Department warned in March that temperatures during this dry season could match the record of 55 years ago.

Mr Twarath urged the public to use power effectively even with sufficient supplies of power available. Ways to save power include cleaning air-conditioner filters and turning off unused lights. 

"Let's set the aircon temperature at 25 degrees Celsius. And every 1 degree increase in your air-con temperature can help you save electricity by 10%," Mr Twarath said. 

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (9)