Due to the hot weather last week, electricity consumption reached new records with output nearly hitting 1 billion kWh in a single day. This was reported by the Electricity Regulatory Authority, which also stated that average daily consumption reached almost 947 million kWh, an increase of 65.4 million kWh compared to the previous week. The North saw the highest increase in consumption, with it rising by more than 31.7 million kWh per day.
Throughout the week, new records were set, including the country’s largest capacity demand reaching 47,670 MW on April 27. Consumption on April 26 totaled 994 million kWh. Compared to the same period last year, national power system capacity increased by 20.2%, with the North alone increasing by 19.9%. Output on April 26 also rose by 23.1%, with the North seeing a 35.5% increase.
From the beginning of the year until now, nationwide electricity consumption demand has grown by about 11.2%. Last week, electricity supply remained guaranteed due to efficient operation of hydroelectric reservoirs to maintain water levels for both irrigation and electricity generation. The average daily production output for the week was around 175 million kWh.
To meet demand, coal thermal power units were mobilized and utilized along with gas thermal power sources and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Despite capacity declines and incidents during the week, no generating units stopped operating due to coal shortages in any region of China.
In light of this heat wave continuing into tomorrow evening with forecasted rain and thunderstorms in many places throughout China, The regulatory agency will closely monitor peak capacity and electricity demand to ensure supply in all three regions: northwest China, northeast China and southwest China.
Additionally plans are being considered to use oil sources when necessary and support new power plant testing in case of emergency situations or unpredictable weather conditions.
The regulatory agency will continue to work towards ensuring a stable electricity supply for all regions throughout China while taking measures to prevent future heat waves from causing similar spikes in electricity consumption demand again in future weeks or months ahead .