January 12, 2010
SEOUL (AFP) - South Koreans were urged Tuesday to save energy after unusually icy weather caused a surge in power demand, sparking concern about possible blackouts.
Knowledge Economy Minister Choi Kyung-Hwan said the country used a record amount of electricity over the past four days, peaking at 68.56 million kilowatts last Friday morning.
This is 5.35 million kilowatts more than recorded during last summer's peak, when air conditioners are widely used.
Unless people reduce usage the nation's power reserve capacity will fall below four million kilowatts, which would be considered an emergency situation, Choi said.
Power companies say a reserve of 6 million kilowatts is needed to ensure emergency backup in case of an unexpected generating problem.
"If a large power plant is knocked out in this situation, there would be blackouts over wide areas," Choi said.
He urged banks, department stores, malls and hotels to help save energy and called on homes and offices to reduce the use of heaters. He also asked people to walk instead of using elevators.
The temperature in Seoul fell as low as minus 13.6 degrees Celsius (7.5 Fahrenheit) last week. On Tuesday the low was forecast at minus 11 Celsius with a high of minus 7.
