Electricity demand across much of China has reached record levels as a severe summer heatwave drives widespread use of cooling systems. The surge has pushed power consumption higher in several key regions.

The State Grid Corporation of China reported that grid loads climbed to all-time highs this week, reflecting the impact of exceptionally hot weather on the country’s electricity network.

The record demand highlights how extreme summer temperatures can place additional pressure on China’s power system, particularly when heat affects multiple regions at the same time.