Electricity consumption in Taiwan hit a record high of 41.18 gigawatts (GW) yesterday as scorching hot weather continued across the country, state-run Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) said.
The instantaneous peak load was recorded at 1:52pm, surpassing the previous record of 40.74GW set on July 22, 2022, and is close to Taipower’s estimated peak of 41.19GW for this year.
Taipower attributed the record high power demand to the muggy condition caused by the high humidity before rainfall, which boosted residential use of air-conditioning.
Photo: CNA
Temperatures yesterday in Yunlin County’s Dounan Township (斗南) hit 38.4 degrees Celsius, while temperatures higher than 37 degrees were recorded in other parts of central and southern Taiwan as well as Taipei’s Shezidao (社子島) area.
Meanwhile, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued an “orange” alert for Taipei, New Taipei City and Taichung, as well as some parts of central and southern Taiwan, meaning daytime highs in these areas could reach 36 degrees for three consecutive days.
Yesteday’s maximum power supply capability was 47.33GW, with an operating reserve of 16.86 percent, giving a green light that symbolizes “adequate power supply,” according to Taipower’s official Web site.
Taipower data showed the third-highest power consumption level was 40.66GW set on July 25, 2022, followed by 40.63GW and 40.57GW on June 21 and June 28 this year, respectively.
With more sources of solar power to be connected to the grid, Taipower said it expects operating reserves this month to remain at a healthy level of more than 10 percent during the day and 7 percent at night, within the “yellow” power supply range of 6-10 percent.
A yellow alert light means that the electricity supply is under constraint, the company said.
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