Electricity Demand and Grid Stress from Prolonged Heat Wave

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether there has been a significant increase in electricity consumption since the onset of record high temperatures in Singapore; (b) what measures are in place to monitor and assess electricity demand and grid stress; and (c) what contingency plans are in place to address potential challenges in meeting the increased electricity demand during heat waves or prolonged periods of high temperatures and under what circumstances will they be activated.

Electricity consumption is likely to be higher during the hotter months of April and May. This year, peak electricity demand increased by about 8% from 7.3 gigawatts in February to 7.9 gigawatts in May.

We have sufficient generation and grid capacity to meet the increased electricity demand arising from higher temperatures. The existing installed capacity of Combined Cycle Gas Turbines used for power generation is 9.4 gigawatts, higher than the peak electricity demand we experienced.

System demand and network conditions are closely monitored in real time 24/7 by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The national grid operator, SP Group, also has round-the-clock monitoring of our transmission and distribution network. During periods of increased demand, EMA can direct generation units, such as Open Cycle Gas Turbines, to supply additional electricity to meet the system’s needs.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to manage their demand for energy. The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Economic Development Board have introduced Energy Efficiency schemes to incentivise households and businesses to adopt energy-efficient technologies. EMA has also introduced the Demand Response and Interruptible Load schemes which reward consumers when they reduce their electricity usage during periods of high overall demand, so as to mitigate peak demand and improve system reliability.