There was sharp spike in usage at 2.20pm when the temperature rose to 35.2 degrees Celsius, but the overall consumption was less than last year’s top figure of 30,972.73MW.

The surge in electricity consumption has been attributed to the summer heat, as citizens increase use of electrical appliances to cool down.

Rerngchai said Egat is closely monitoring consumption as there has been a major spike in electricity usage over the past three years.

If energy usage rises to 32,059MW, 3.5 per cent higher than the highest level in 2016, Egat may have to activate its Bang Pakong and Ratchaburi generators and use auxiliary fuel, which would increase production cost and consequently the electricity bills of the public, he said.