China’s power grid registered its heaviest ever load this week as a relentless heatwave swept large parts of the country. The National Energy Administration said nationwide electricity demand hit 1.506 billion kilowatts (1.5 terawatts) on 16 July, marking the third record this month and exceeding last year’s peak by 55 million kW. Temperatures above 40 °C were logged from Chongqing and Chengdu to the southern port of Guangzhou, with eight weather stations posting all-time highs. Authorities said the system is coping for now, but analysts such as the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Chim Lee cautioned that prolonged heat could still force rationing later in the summer. The surge mirrors conditions in South Korea, where an unusually early heatwave sent maximum demand to 94.3 GW on 7 July—the highest in three years and above the previous July record of 92.99 GW set in 2022. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy kept a reserve margin of more than 10 GW and dispatched officials to key substations. Seoul has expanded energy-voucher payouts of up to ₩701,300 and widened power-bill discounts to ensure low-income households can operate air-conditioners. Europe is contending with similar pressure. French day-ahead electricity prices have spiked as cooling demand jumps, underscoring how summer heatwaves are replacing winter cold as the main test for regional grids. Energy traders and policymakers across Asia and Europe are bracing for further strain should extreme temperatures persist into August.