The high temperatures that affected Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region led to a significant increase in electricity consumption, primarily due to increased use of cooling devices. However, JP Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH) says that the power system is stable and that there are sufficient amounts of electricity for the orderly supply of all customers.
“In the last few days, there has been a significant increase in electricity consumption by customers of JP Elektroprivreda BiH, mainly caused by increased use of air conditioners. The average increase in consumption (compared to the consumption in May) corresponds to about 20 percent”, they stated for Fena from Elektroprivreda BiH.
At the same time, they emphasize that there is no reason for concern when it comes to security of supply.
“The system operation is stable and JP Elektroprivreda BiH has sufficient amounts of electricity to cover the needs of its customers,” the company emphasizes.
Increased consumption expected during the summer
Elektroprivreda BiH reminds that similar consumption dynamics were recorded in previous years during the summer months, which confirms that increased consumption during heat waves is an expected phenomenon in the power system.
Today, renewable energy sources, especially solar power plants, whose production grows year by year, make a significant contribution to covering summer peak loads.
Solar power plants only help during the day
However, Elektroprivreda BiH warns that solar capacities can compensate for part of the increased consumption only during daylight hours.
“Production from solar capacities can compensate for increased consumption in the summer months, but only during the periods of the day when solar power plants produce electricity. The problem remains covering the increased consumption in the night part of the system load diagram from other production capacities,” EPBiH explained.
High temperatures can strain the network
When it comes to possible risks brought by extremely high temperatures, experts warn that they can cause certain disturbances in the operation of the system.
However, most of the potential causes are related to the transmission network, whose management is the responsibility of the Independent System Operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, writes Focus.
