Power demand in South Korea is expected to spike this summer with maximum electricity demand to exceed 80 million kilowatts for the first time ever for the season.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday announced its forecast on power supply and demand this summer, along with countermeasures ready to be carried out.

The ministry vowed to prepare for any emergencies that may arise from unusually high temperatures, the abrupt breakdown of major power plants or problems with power transmission lines.

It predicted maximum electricity demand this summer to record around 81-point-seven million kilowatts, topping 80 million for the first time during the season.

But the government is expected to maintain a power reserve rate of 12-point-seven percent even at the height of summer, as the completion of four new power plants is expected to increase maximum power supply by two-and-a-half million kilowatts to over 92 million kilowatts this year.