February power use steady despite dry spell

[SINGAPORE] February was the driest month in nearly 150 years, and though it was hot as well, there was no marked jump in demand for electricity, especially for power air-conditioners. One genco chief said that it may have been hot, but it was also windy.

The generating companies are, however, on the alert for the return of the haze, which affects the efficiency of their combined-cycle gas turbines. The power industry officials were responding to the latest reports that only 0.2 mm of rain was recorded here last month - well below the mean February rainfall of 161 mm.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said that last month was the country's driest since 1869.