On August 6 at 12:03 PM, Beijing's power grid peak load hit a record high of 29.339 million kilowatts, marking a new historical milestone. The load from cooling equipment like air conditioners accounted for 45% of the total. Due to sustained high temperatures and high humidity, the "sauna mode" in the Beijing area has persisted, causing the grid load to climb steadily. According to a report from the Beijing Daily, as of 12:03 PM on August 6, the maximum load of the Beijing power grid reached 29.339 million kilowatts, breaking the historical record for two consecutive days. Cooling loads, such as those from air conditioners, saw significant growth, contributing 45% of the total demand. Liu Hui, head of the control department at the State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company, explained, "The recent frequent rainfall, combined with high humidity and high temperatures, has made residents feel stuffy, leading to a notable increase in cooling loads like air conditioning." The State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company has activated a high-load warning response to ensure the stable and safe operation of the capital's power grid. As of 3:00 PM on August 6, the Beijing power grid operated safely and smoothly, with orderly power supply, meeting the electricity demand of the Beijing area. Liu Hui noted that given the recent weather conditions, the grid load is expected to remain high in the coming days.
The temperature in the transformer room of the substation reached as high as 45°C. During peak load periods, the State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company has increased the number of control and operation staff, closely monitoring load trends and adjusting the grid's operation mode in a timely manner. Leveraging the large-scale grid resource allocation advantages of the State Grid Corporation of China, they ensure sufficient external power supply and guarantee that local generators are "connected and running steadily." On the morning of August 6, a reporter visited the 220-kilovolt Caoqiao substation, located near Caihuying South Road, a key power hub in the Fengtai district. This substation supplies power to medical facilities, universities, large residential communities, and flood control and water conservancy facilities in the area. "During the critical summer power supply period, the substation undergoes comprehensive testing, primarily monitoring the operational status of the equipment inside," said Zhou Dao and Ji Lantao, specialists in the State Grid Beijing Electric Power Maintenance Company's equipment status monitoring team. Dressed in full protective gear, they entered the equipment areas. These equipment status monitors, often called "equipment doctors," use technological tools to "diagnose" running power equipment, detecting potential risks that are difficult for the human eye to spot, thus ensuring stable operation and safe electricity use for residents. Soon, the outdoor temperature rose to 34°C, feeling oppressively hot. However, the two monitors wore full-length cotton work clothes and thick insulated shoes, covering themselves completely. Ji Lantao explained that in case of an accident like a fire, this clothing prevents the fabric from sticking to the skin, reducing secondary injury. Upon entering the equipment area from the hot outdoors, the reporter expected some relief. But instead, upon opening the door to the No. 4 main transformer room, a wave of heat rushed in, making it hard to breathe. Zhou Dao aimed a thermometer at a power device inside, and the screen showed a reading: the surface temperature of the running equipment was as high as 60.5°C. The heat from the room full of equipment turned the transformer room into a steamy sauna. Zhou Dao then pointed the thermometer at the floor. "45°C!" the reporter exclaimed as the screen displayed the number, with the indoor temperature over 10 degrees higher than outdoors. The two monitors, accustomed to the harsh working conditions, performed their tasks meticulously and methodically. After two hours of inspection, beads of sweat adorned their faces, and their work clothes were soaked through. "The unit has provided us with heatstroke prevention medicines like Huoxiang Zhengqi Water for use as needed," they said. At noon, when the reporter finally stepped out of the main transformer room, the scorching outdoors felt "surprisingly cool." At that time, the outdoor temperature had reached 35°C. Was the inspection over? Wiping sweat from his face, one monitor replied, "Halfway through! Such inspections last for four hours each time."
High-temperature weather tips: Check your electricity bill balance in a timely manner. During hot and humid weather, household electrical appliances are used frequently. Please keep an eye on your electricity bill balance and usage. The State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company has streamlined online power purchase services, allowing residents to purchase electricity through various channels such as the "Online State Grid" app, Alipay, and WeChat Life Payment. Additionally, the 95598 power supply service hotline is open 24/7, promptly responding to all customer electricity-related inquiries.