The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has announced that the highest electricity demand in 2024 is anticipated to reach 9,934.25 megawatts, marking an increase of 0.1 percent. In response, the MEA is gearing up to address this rise in power consumption through the deployment of advanced technologies and SCADA systems. Additionally, they are providing advice on how to save money on electricity bills during summer by following the "turn off, adjust, disconnect, replace" principles for safe electricity use.
Wilas Chaloeysat, the Governor of MEA, stated, "Electricity consumption statistics in the areas of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, are recorded during the peak season. With a customer base of 4,266,995, we anticipate peak demand to reach 9,934 megawatts, a 1.2% increase from 2023. This surge typically occurs from the start of the season to the beginning of the following month, a period characterised by high consumption due to the hot weather. Energy sales in 2024 are expected to total 53,994 units, up 0.1% from the previous year.
Increased consumption is attributed to the recovery in the tourism sector, private sector spending and investment, the rise of electric vehicles, and the opening of new BTS and MRT stations, including extensions on the Pink Line. However, factors such as a global economic downturn or solar rooftop generation may reduce power consumption. Additionally, a slowdown in electricity consumption in 2024 could be due to the high consumption levels and significant expansions experienced over the past two years, which saw an average growth of approximately 4.28% per year following the economic recovery post-COVID-19. The end of the El Niño phenomenon, which contributes to hotter weather, is expected by mid-year."
The MEA Governor further added, "In anticipation of the increased demand for electricity during the summer, MEA is preparing the electricity distribution system and enhancing technology development to ensure stability and sufficiency for uninterrupted service to our users."
To manage the anticipated surge in electricity demand during the summer, MEA has readied its electricity distribution system and has been developing related technology to enhance the electrical system's stability and capacity to meet the growing needs of consumers. The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system plays a crucial role as a control centre for the electrical system, serving as a monitoring and data analysis hub. It checks the system's status and analyses data to control system operations and sends immediate warning signals to officials in real-time.
SCADA is a technology that the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has pioneered in Thailand and continues to develop. Currently, SCADA's deployment is focused on the Chaengwattana area to ensure efficient and safe voltage control and electricity distribution. This effort is complemented by SCADA Chidlom, which aids in adjusting MEA's electricity distribution system as part of the Smart Metro Grid project, an initiative aimed at stabilising the electrical system. The Chaengwattana SCADA Electrical System Control Centre is linked to the Chaengwattana originating station, which supplies electricity to various substations through both air and underground transmission lines. This setup enhances the distribution of electricity across Bangkok and Nonthaburi and integrates with the broader electrical network.
The SCADA Electrical System Control Centre benefits from an underground electrical cable project that bolsters the distribution system's stability. It utilises online systems to manage the electrical grid effectively. SCADA's design allows for the pinpointing of electrical failures, providing immediate, targeted solutions. The data collected is then used for Big Data analytics, assisting executives and the 18 Metropolitan Electricity Authority District Directors in making informed decisions to improve safety and foster a more visually appealing metropolis, paving the way for a Smart City.
MEA's electrical distribution system performance in 2023 highlights its success in meeting the targets set by the SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) and SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index), with a SAIFI value of 0.569 times/person/year and SAIDI at 19.847 minutes/person/year. These results are within the latest standards prescribed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for 2023, which stipulate a maximum SAIFI of 0.88 minutes/case/year and a SAIDI of 26.96 minutes/case/year.
Moreover, MEA has developed a One-on-One power outage notification system through its communication channels, including the MEA Smart Life Application and the Line "MEA Connect" channel. This system ensures that power users affected by outages are immediately informed, allowing them to track the resolution progress.
The Field Force Management (FFM) system is crucial for addressing power outages, utilising MEA's GIS mapping system for the precise location of electrical equipment failures. Reports are then dispatched to the power failure correction centres located across the 18 areas of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to update them on mission progress.
MEA also advises consumers to save electricity during summer, a period of higher than normal temperatures that leads to significant electricity consumption. High usage of electrical appliances increases expenses.
Efficient and safe electricity use involves maintaining electrical appliances to ensure readiness and safety. Modifying electricity usage behaviour is essential for cost-saving, adhering to the "turn off - adjust - disconnect - replace" principles. Recommendations include turning off unused lights, setting air conditioner temperatures to 26-27 degrees Celsius while using fans for energy savings, and unplugging appliances when not in use. Additionally, cleaning air conditioners biannually, not frequently opening the refrigerator, storing only necessary food items, checking the refrigerator door seal, switching to LED light bulbs, choosing energy-efficient equipment, and preventing electrical short circuits are suggested practices.
With the likelihood of summer storms, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, MEA urges the public to be cautious of potential dangers, including those posed by outdoor billboards. Ensuring that billboards are stable and safely distanced from electrical wires is crucial to prevent power outages. People are advised to stay clear of billboards, large trees, and unstable structures near power lines, as damaged tree branches can lead to electrical hazards. The public should inspect and promptly repair damaged electrical equipment. Monitoring tree branches to prevent electrical disturbances is recommended, as is reporting unsafe electrical appliances through MEA's communication channels for immediate action.
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