Korea Western Power Expands Campaign to Cut Evening Peak Electricity Use

Korea Western Power Co. has launched an energy-saving campaign aimed at reducing electricity use during the evening hours when demand peaks, citing the need to respond to an energy security crisis linked to the Middle East.

The company said on the 27th that it will continue the campaign for employees and local residents and operate a companywide task force dedicated to cutting energy use until the resource security crisis ends.

The campaign is part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and related agencies’ “Today’s Energy Saving National Action Relay” promotion.

According to the Korea Energy Agency, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when power demand is concentrated, higher-cost liquefied natural gas generation runs at maximum output. Simply avoiding electricity use during those hours can support the government’s energy-saving policy, the agency said.

Korea Western Power is advising households to charge electric vehicles and smartphones, when possible, during daytime hours when solar power is produced, and to avoid using relatively high-consumption appliances such as electric kettles and irons between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The company said it has distributed promotional materials with everyday energy-saving tips around its headquarters and worksites nationwide. It also delivered reusable aprons to restaurants and other local businesses as part of efforts to encourage environmentally friendly consumption.

Internally, the company has implemented stricter measures. Since March 23, it has used only half of its building lighting, turned off power-hungry electronic signboards, and tightly controlled heating and cooling settings.

It is also reducing business trips, encouraging video meetings, restricting elevator use, and strengthening enforcement of an every-other-day private vehicle policy, it said.

Chief Executive Officer Lee Jeong-bok said “the starting point for overcoming the energy security crisis is small actions in daily life,” adding that the company will carry out strong conservation steps and pursue a campaign that works more closely with local communities.