Friday 31 May 2013

South Korea could face ‘worst power shortage’ this summer

All public offices in South Korea (pictured) will have to cut their electricity usage by as much as 20% this summer in an effort to prevent power disruptions, according to reports.

They claim the nation's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) have announced householders could be offered incentives, such as cuts in utility bills, if they significantly reduce energy use.

The news follows the recent suspension of nuclear reactors in South Korea over allegedly using fake documents for control cables.

MOTIE said in a statement: “We expect the worst power shortages this summer because of the closures of the three nuclear reactors. Positive efforts for conservation are urgently needed. If we go through this summer safely, shortages will be resolved next summer as new power plants come on stream.”

South Korea depends on nuclear energy for more than 30% of its electricity. Demand is expected to exceed by 1,980,000KW in the second week of August as consumption rises due to temperatures higher than usual.