Thailand's power consumption hits year's peak: official

Thailand's power consumption has hit the year's peak of up to 30,303.4 megawatts (MW), local media reported Friday quoting the Energy Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

Rerngchai Kongthong, official from the EGAT said that the power peak was recorded at 2:20 p.m. local time, attributing Thursday's new record of power consumption to the persistent heat with the temperature of 35.2 degree celsius.

He said the use of air-conditioner contributes most to the power peak, with more power consumption expected from all segments particularly the business sector.

Summer heat continues to hit Thailand since late March. Some provinces such as Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, has recorded a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius even after the Songkran Festival, known as Thailand's hottest period has passed.

The overall power consumption this year is less than las year's top figure of 30,972.73 MW, according to Rerngchai.

The EGAT said they may consider activating two more power generators and using auxiliary fuel at the expense of higher production cost in case that the energy usage rises 3.5 percent higher than the peak level in 2016. Endit