Hot weather brings power spike in Guangdong

The power load in Guangdong province has grown substantially because of prolonged high temperatures since early August, the local power grid operator reported.

High temperatures, influenced mainly by subsiding airflow from Typhoon Dolphin, have led to a significant increase in the use of air-conditioning, Guangdong Power Grid Company said.

At 1:47 pm on Tuesday, the power load in Guangdong reached a new peak for the fourth time this year, hitting 175.7 million kilowatts, an increase of 6.53 percent year-on-year, the company said.

The power load in cities including Yangjiang, Shantou, Jieyang and Chaozhou, also reached historic highs on Tuesday.

Combined with a steadily improving economy, the power load in Guangdong has grown substantially. Since the beginning of this year, Guangdong's economy has been steadily progressing, with a continuous and rising demand for electricity.

From January to July, total electrical consumption in the province increased by 7.67 percent year-on-year, the company said.

High-tech and equipment manufacturing industries have become key drivers of electricity consumption growth in the manufacturing sector, with usage increasing by 8.77 percent year-on-year.