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China electricity demand hits records amid heatwave
State Grid said loads reached record levels in northern, northeastern and eastern regions, while no blackouts were reported as the grid redirects baseload power for air-conditioning.
China’s electricity demand hit record levels this week as a scorching summer heatwave pushed grid loads to all-time highs, according to State Grid Corporation of China figures cited by Reuters.
State Grid said electricity loads were at record levels on Monday and Tuesday across northern, northeastern and eastern regions, and it reported no blackouts while the operator managed supply by directing more baseload electricity where air-conditioning needs were highest.
Reuters also noted that Chinese state meteorological agency forecasts call for temperatures to stay high across much of the country, with some areas potentially reaching or exceeding historical peaks.
The report added that State Grid previously said it would spend $574 billion, or 4 trillion Chinese yuan, on fixed-asset investments over the five years to 2030, a plan that it links to upgrading and expanding transmission and distribution systems amid rising demand and growing renewable generation.