EirGrid Manages Changes in Electricity Consumption Caused by Covid-19 Pandemic

Engineers at EirGrid’s National Control Centre (NCC) are managing changes in electricity consumption across the country caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Using sophisticated software, the NCC engineers’ role is to ensure electricity generation matches up in real-time with customer demand, maintaining the stability of Ireland’s power system.

Analysis performed this week by EirGrid has revealed a fundamental shift in how electricity is being consumed during the crisis.

Engineers examined how electricity was consumed on Tuesday of this week and compared it with the equivalent day last year, March 26th. This is the most accurate way of comparing changes in electricity use.

The most obvious change is a much slower demand for electricity in the morning as much of the population is staying at home.

Mark Foley, EirGrid Chief Executive, explains: “Demand for electricity is normally very predictable, which means that we can plan for it very accurately. Demand initially peaks in the morning as people get ready for work. It then flattens out during the day, peaking again in the evening when people return home and put on cookers, lights, TVs and other electrical devices. This usually occurs just after 6.00pm.”

This week has seen demand during the morning peak fall by 200 megawatts, enough electricity to power up to 150,000 homes.

The analysis also shows higher than normal demand for electricity at lunchtime and a steeper rise in demand at dinnertime.  It is noteworthy that overall evening peak demand is the same as 2019.

Temperature and sunlight intensity, which can influence how electricity is consumed, were very similar over the two days.

Mark Foley added: “EirGrid is focused on delivering a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity. Our contingency plans are focused on mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on electricity services for everyone in Ireland.

“Our plans are robust and updated to reflect the changing nature of the Covid-19 outbreak. We continue to follow advice from the Department of Health and HSE.”