The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) forecasts that the Malé region’s electricity demand will surge to an unprecedented 133 megawatts (MW) during the upcoming warmer months. This projection marks a significant increase from previous years, with recorded peaks of 102 MW in 2023 and 112 MW in 2024.
At a recent energy awareness session held in STELCO’s training facility, electrical engineer Ismail Nishar highlighted the distinct electricity consumption patterns between Malé and Hulhumalé. Malé typically experiences its peak demand around 2 p.m., while Hulhumalé’s highest usage occurs between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The anticipated peak season coincides with both Ramadan and school holidays. However, STELCO notes that the actual demand may fall short of the projected 133 MW, as many residents are expected to travel to other islands during this period.
In response to the escalating demand, STELCO has initiated significant upgrades to Malé City’s electricity infrastructure. Notably, the company has replaced a 630 KVA transformer at the intersection of Majeedhee Magu and Sosan Magu with a more robust 1,500 KVA unit. This enhancement aims to bolster the substation’s capacity and improve service reliability for residents.
As part of its ongoing public awareness campaign, STELCO plans to share daily load curves with the public. The recent session also provided valuable information on electricity consumption patterns and strategies for cost reduction.
STELCO continues to emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding electricity usage, especially during periods of high demand. The company encourages residents to adopt energy-efficient practices to ensure a stable and reliable power supply throughout the warmer season.
