Korea’s cold spell creates record-high power demand

Electricity demand in South Korea marked a record-high of 71.4 million kilowatts on because of a severe cold spell and economic recovery.

If the cold weather continued, power demand was expected to reach 72.5 kilowatts in mid-January, according to the statement of the ministry of knowledge economy, noting that demand for heating accounted for 24 percent of the total.

"Demand for heating has shifted to electricity from kerosene, gas thanks to relatively lower electricity tariffs greater convenience," the statement said. "Industrial power demand also continues to rising along with economic recovery."

The statement added that electricity rates had risen by 13 percent compared with 2004, while those for gas and kerosene had risen 45 percent, lifting electricity consumption by 49 percent and reducing kerosene consumption by 55 percent.

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