Malaysia’s electricity demand has surged significantly during El Nino periods, highlighting the strain that hotter weather conditions place on the country’s power system. Data from the Energy Commission’s MyEnergyStats portal indicates that the maximum electricity demand rose 26.2% in 2024 to 24,873 megawatts (MW), compared with 19,716 MW in 2023, coinciding with the 2023-2024 El Nino event.
This pattern is consistent with an earlier El Nino episode in 2015-2016, when Peninsular Malaysia’s peak electricity demand increased 5.7%, from 16,822 MW in 2015 to 17,788 MW in 2016. The rise in demand is largely attributed to the higher outdoor temperatures that lead to greater use of air-conditioning systems.
Dr. Muhammad Arkam Che Munaaim, a council member of the Malaysia Association of Engineers, explained that elevated temperatures drive up the amount of heat entering buildings, causing cooling systems to operate more intensively to maintain comfortable indoor environments. “During prolonged hot weather seasons, consumers use air-conditioning more frequently and for longer durations. At the same time, cooling units must work harder to sustain desired temperatures,” he noted.
Dr. Muhammad Arkam emphasized the need for Malaysia to enhance the resilience of its energy infrastructure amid the likelihood of increased and persistent electricity demand if hotter and drier conditions prevail. He remarked that while factors like economic and population growth also influence electricity usage, the significant rise during El Nino periods underscores the pressure imposed on the power system. “We cannot control natural climate cycles or prevent El Nino events, but we can improve how intelligently we manage energy, design buildings, forecast demand, and plan infrastructure,” he said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) also highlighted global implications of El Nino on electricity demand, particularly due to rising cooling needs. In its recent commentary, the IEA noted that the event could prolong heatwaves into 2027, which would increase air conditioner utilization. It pointed out that more consumers, including typically price-sensitive users, tend to switch on cooling systems as temperatures rise. Furthermore, the agency warned that heatwaves might boost air-conditioner sales, thereby raising long-term electricity demand.
Locally, the Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) added that prolonged hot spells during El Nino drive sharp upticks in residential electricity consumption, with space cooling as the primary factor. The association noted that Malaysia’s national grid experiences peak loads between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., when households return and simultaneously use air conditioners and other appliances. Commercial and retail sectors also contribute to elevated demand during these hours.
Southeast Asia Development Solutions, linked to the Asian Development Bank, cautioned that higher temperatures carry risks to energy security. It explained that heatwaves increase demand for cooling, which raises electricity consumption and can cause energy systems to overheat, reduce operational efficiency, or even result in power outages.
Together, these findings suggest that El Nino-driven temperature spikes pose significant challenges to Malaysia’s electricity infrastructure, underscoring the importance of adaptive strategies to maintain reliability in the face of climate variability.