The government decided to reduce the electricity consumption of its offices and public organizations during peak hours by at least 20 percent.

It also plans to control the use of electric power by such heavy consumers as conglomerates which use more than 5,000 kilowatts.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced these and others measures to reduce electricity consumption in the summer amid rising concerns of a power outage in the wake of the recent shutdown of two more nuclear reactors.

“Korea will face the worst-ever power shortage situation in the second week of August as its reserve power is expected to post minus 2 million kilowatts,” Energy Minister Yoon Sang-jick said.

Under the measures, the government and public offices will be required to maintain 28 degrees Celsius or higher, and they have to turn off air conditioning when the power reserve level drops below 3 million kilowatts.

Other measures include a three-fold rise in electricity bills during peak hours and the expansion of the interval of subway train operation during peak hours (mainly 3:00-5:00 p.m.).

In the private sector, all companies or other entities, such as buildings, that consume more than 5,000 kilowatts of electricity should reduce their consumption by 3-15 percent.

These unprecedented strong power demand control measures are part of the ministry’s package of measures to maintain balance in power supply and demand during this summer. The ministry developed the packages in two days after two nuclear reactors were suspended due to use of substandard parts.

In an effort to lead voluntary power saving activities, the ministry also will expand the subjects for a critical peak pricing system, while offering a variety of incentives to households to drive their own power-saving activities.

In line with control over power demand, the ministry will also expand power supply capacity during this summer. Private power suppliers will be encouraged to fully raise their power generation capacity. It will fasten the launch of a coal-based thermal power plant with 1 million kilowatt power generation capacity in July.

In addition, the ministry will build small-scale solar power plants to add power supply before August.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)