Peak energy consumption up 30 pct during Chuseok holiday

The peak electricity demand jumped 30 percent on-year during the Chuseok holiday, data showed Thursday, in the latest evidence that autumn heat has gripped the nation. The country's average maximum power demand reached 70.3 gigawatts from Monday to Wednesday, compared with 54.4 gigawatts recorded during the previous year's Chuseok, which ran from Sept. 28 to 30, according to the Korea Power Exchange. The increase came as the heat wave persisted throughout September, leading to stronger energy demand from both households and industrial facilities. A heat wave warning was issued for all parts of Seoul during the Chuseok holiday, marking the latest heat warning ever issued in Seoul since the introduction of the heat warning system in 2008. The alert is issued when the highest sensible temperature is expected to reach 33 C or higher for at least two consecutive days, or when major damage is anticipated from the heat. Experts say that households may face higher electricity bills this month, as the summertime billing system designed to reduce financial burdens only applies from July to August. Source: Yonhap News Agency