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Andorra Hits Record Electricity Demand of 133.6 MWh Amid Cold Snap

State utility FEDA reports new peak driven by cold weather and tourists, surpassing January 2024 record, with plans for network upgrades.

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Diari d'AndorraEl PeriòdicBon DiaARAAltaveu

Key Points

  • New record: 133.6 MWh at 10am on Jan 7, beating 132 MWh from 2024.
  • Caused by depression Goretti cold and peak-season tourists.
  • Annual consumption up 2% yearly, but spikes show volatility.
  • FEDA confirms network reliability; plans HV line and Spain interconnection investments.

Andorra's state utility FEDA has confirmed a new all-time high in hourly electricity demand, reaching 133.6 MWh at 10am on 7 January.

The peak, driven by widespread cold from the passage of depression Goretti and heavy tourist influx during peak season, exceeded the prior record of 132 MWh set in January 2024 under similar weather conditions. FEDA's statement notes this as part of a sustained multi-year rise in maximum demand episodes.

While annual electricity consumption grows at a steady but modest rate of about 2% yearly and stays below the highs recorded between 2007 and 2011—peaking in 2010—these recurrent demand spikes highlight increasing volatility, particularly from heating surges in extreme cold.

FEDA states its network is fully capable of handling such loads, maintaining supply reliability. Looking ahead, the utility plans to focus investments on high-voltage lines and expanding interconnection capacity with Spain to meet future challenges.

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