Heatwave increases electricity demand 18%

AMMAN — The current heatwave affecting the Kingdom has contributed to a significant surge in electricity consumption, raising the maximum load on the Kingdom's electrical system by 18 per cent, the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) said on Tuesday.

The load reached 3,660 megawatts at 8:27pm on Monday, an increase from the same period last year, EMRC Chairman Ziad Saaida said, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Saaida stressed the commission's commitment to maintaining oversight of the electrical system, facilitated by a 24-hour monitoring and emergency centre.

During an inspection of operational preparations and maintenance plans, the chairman reviewed the proactive measures taken by electricity companies to mitigate the heatwave's impact, praising the "effectiveness" of these preemptive measures in enhancing the sector's readiness.

He urged electricity companies to swiftly implement operational plans and promptly address any network issues, stressing the importance of ongoing public awareness campaigns to promote energy conservation, aiming to prevent excessive consumption and high electricity bills.

Saaida also called on citizens to adopt energy-efficient cooling practices, such as setting air conditioners to 24ºC, cleaning air filters regularly, and using curtains to block peak sunlight.

He also recommended turning off air conditioners upon leaving