Seoul: South Korea is preparing for an unprecedented surge in electricity demand this summer as the nation grapples with an ongoing heat wave expected to persist into August.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy predicts the peak electricity demand to reach an all-time high of 97.8 gigawatts (GW) this summer. The highest recorded power demand to date was 97.1 GW, which occurred on August 20, 2024. Recently, on Tuesday, the nation recorded the second-highest power demand of 95.7 GW, spurred by record-breaking July temperatures across various regions.

In Seoul, temperatures soared to 37.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, marking the highest early July temperature since record-keeping began in 1908. Nearby cities such as Gwangmyeong and Paju experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The ministry highlighted that the average temperature for the first half of July is anticipated to reach an unprecedented high, with above-average temperatures expected to extend into August and September.

The ministry has taken measures to bolster power reserves, securing an additional 8.7 GW on top of the existing 8.8 GW reserve to meet the escalating demand. To mitigate the financial impact on citizens, authorities have adjusted the progressive electricity rate system for July and August and initiated energy voucher distribution to support low-income households.