Power Consumption in the SIC scores historic level due to low temperatures
Demand exceeded 7,500 MW as of June 30th, due to increased consumption in residential sector.
The arrival of winter and the cold led to the demand for energy in the Central Interconnected System (SIC), which operates between Taltal and Chiloé, scored a new record.
According to information from CDEC-SIC (which coordinates the operation of Electric companies), in June 30th, at 12:00 hours (from 11:00 to 12:00 hours), a peak demand of 7,535 MW was recorded, level that had never reached before.
The executive Director of the Association of Electric Companies, Rodrigo Castillo, explained that levels reached by the system last Monday respond to a mix between the sharp increase in electricity demand year after year and the arrival of winter.
“It is natural that demand increases every year (…) Low temperatures and the increasing use in electrical heating in household, in industry and trade are elements that explain the fact”, he said, stating that it is quite likely that increased household consumption has been the determining factor in the rise.
It should be recalled that the electric consumption is highly correlated with growth and development of the country. Due to that, demand figures may early reflect the state of the economy, always and when turn into a trend.
Source: La Tercera
