Iran Power Demand Records More To Come?

18 Aug 2023 Issue: 66 / 33 By: Yesar Al-Maleki

Record breaking summer electricity demand has stymied Iran’s efforts to bring on sufficient generation capacity to keep pace. Years of sanctions have left the country’s generation fleet clapped out with modest additions proving insufficient.

Iranian electricity demand has surged to record highs amid soaring temperatures in recent days. Demand of 73.45GW on 6 August was more than 5% above last year’s previous record of 69.7GW. Daily demand peaks have since fallen back below 70GW: Mostafa Rajabi-Mashhadi, CEO of Iran Grid Management Company, pegged the 16 August figure at 69GW.

With more high temperatures forecast for late August, the CEO warns that demand could rise by another 3GW from current levels, holding out the worrying prospect of further record highs to come. In a bid to manage distribution this summer, Tehran limits power supply to industrial users during periods of peak demand. But it has to balance this against the economic damage caused, and many small businesses have complained they are unable to pay salaries due to the impact of blackouts on their operations. (CONTINUED - 928 WORDS)