El Nino pushes up power demand
Experts in Malaysia warn that the El Nino weather phenomenon is significantly increasing electricity demand as cooling systems work harder to combat rising temperatures. Officials are calling for improved infrastructure resilience and more intelligent energy usage to manage the strain on the power grid.
Why it matters
Rising global temperatures pose a direct threat to energy security and grid stability, necessitating better urban planning and energy efficiency.
Experts warn prolonged heat could strain electricity grid as cooling needs rise
PETALING JAYA: The domestic demand for electricity spikes each time El Nino hits Malaysia, supporting the claim that hotter weather may risk straining the power system.
Figures from the Energy Commission’s MyEnergyStats portal show that maximum electricity demand rose 26.2% in 2024 to 24,873 MW, from 19,716 MW in 2023, during the 2023-2024 El Nino episode.
A similar increase was recorded earlier when El Nino happened in 2015-2016, with maximum electricity demand in Peninsular Malaysia rising 5.7% to 17,788 MW in 2016, from 16,822 MW in 2015.
A council member of the Malaysia Association of Engineers, Dr Muhammad Arkam Che Munaaim, said higher outdoor temperature increases the amount of heat entering buildings, forcing air-conditioning systems to work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperature.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in