The government has forecasted that stable power supply can be maintained this winter.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced today (the 5th) that “the power demand during extreme scenarios, such as sudden cold waves with accumulated snow, is expected to reach 97.8GW (gigawatts).”
The power authorities have estimated the maximum power demand for this winter to be 92.8GW, considering the anticipated low precipitation and average temperatures. However, they explained that “if snow accumulation reduces solar power generation and a cold wave hits unexpectedly, the demand could rise to 97.8GW.”
In response, the power authorities stated that they have prepared a power supply capacity of 110.2GW, which is 5GW more than last winter, marking a record high level.
They added that the increase in supply capacity has been supported by new system facilities, such as the Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC established in May.
Still, to prepare for unexpected generator failures or sudden cold waves, the power authorities have readied various power supply management measures and plan to operate up to 6.8GW of additional reserve resources.
For vulnerable groups, the winter energy voucher rate has been increased by 10,000 won compared to last year, and the usage period will be extended by a month until May next year.
The power authorities have designated the period from December 9 to February 21 next year as the winter power supply management period and plan to focus on real-time monitoring of supply situations.