Power consumption up in March

Electric power consumption was up for a second consecutive month in March, the Hellenic Transmission System Operator (HTSO) announced on Tuesday. The increase was mainly a result of increased demand by major industries powered by the the Public Power Corp. SA (PPC SA) high-voltage grid. Consumption by small and medium-sized enterprises, households and other consumers was marginally reduced.

HTSO announced that overall electricity demand increased by 2.98% in March compared with last year, while in the first quarter demand was increased by 1.4% In the same period (Jan.-March) the major industries raised their electricity demand by 12.36%, while Greek households and other enterprises cut demand by 0.74&.

Electricity production from natural gas was up by 63 % and from lignite by 12%t, whereas electricity production from oil-burning plants was down by 99.7% (virtually dropping to zero). Electricity production from hydroelectric power dropped by 60% compared to last year due to reduced water reserves.

Greece continued to have an overall electric power deficit, exporting power to Albania and Italy and importing from Turkey, Bulgaria and FYRoM.
 
ANA-MPA