Financial Tribune - Power consumption fell below 40,000 megawatts at the weekend after 127 days as temperatures dropped across the country.

Consumption had surpassed 40,000 MW in May and increased gradually until July 22 when it reached a record 57,680 MW, about 1,000 MW more than last summer, the Energy Ministry news portal Paven reported.

Soaring temperatures (50 degrees Centigrade in the south) compelled households and businesses to turn on the cooling systems from early May. The heat lasted until early September.

Despite higher consumption, there were no blackouts in any region in the peak hours throughout summer.

Predictions last year suggested that Iran would need 8,000 MW of extra electricity this summer. Accordingly, 5,000 MW were to be added by launching new gas and steam units and new power plants.