Panama City, Panama. Rising temperatures across the nation are driving a sustained increase in electricity consumption. The surge is primarily linked to the heavy use of air conditioning units and other household appliances, energy sector specialists confirmed this week.
The country is approaching demand levels not seen since the 2023 El Niño phenomenon [Translated from Spanish]. Carlos Iglesias, the electricity coordinator for Panama’s National Energy Secretariat, stated that the Panama National Interconnected System is currently handling nearly 2,000 megawatts of demand.
Consumption Spikes During Peak Heat Hours
Consumption in April hovered around 1,980 megawatts. That figure continues to climb as the country experiences intense heat waves. The combination of high temperatures and humidity is forcing homes and businesses to run cooling systems more frequently.
Air conditioners remain the single largest energy consumer in Panamanian households. They draw more power than refrigerators, computers, microwaves, and lighting systems combined.
Iglesias pointed out a common mistake among consumers. Many set their air conditioners to extremely low temperatures, between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. This dramatically increases electricity bills.
“It’s not just about turning it on. The lower you set it, the more you consume. Setting it to 18 or 16 degrees leads to much higher energy use. One degree of temperature change in a home environment means between 5 and 10 percent more consumption,” Iglesias explained. [Translated from Spanish]
The expert recommended keeping units between 23.5 and 24 degrees Celsius or higher. He considers this range appropriate for Panama’s climate. It allows for efficient energy use while still providing comfort.
Short Cycling Wastes Power
Iglesias warned against frequently turning air conditioners on and off. This practice creates consumption spikes. The compressor works much harder when restarting the system.
He suggested using inverter technology for better efficiency. Inverter air conditioner energy efficiency stabilizes demand and reduces long-term power consumption. The highest electricity usage currently occurs between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This window coincides with the most intense heat of the day.
Beyond appliance use, Iglesias warned about “phantom consumption.” Devices left plugged in continue drawing power even when turned off. Televisions, cable boxes, phone chargers, computers, and video game consoles are common culprits.
Simple Changes Can Reduce Bills
Regular maintenance on appliances makes a significant difference. Air conditioning units require periodic cleaning and servicing to maintain peak efficiency. Dirty filters force the system to work harder and consume more energy.
The National Energy Secretariat continues monitoring the situation closely. Officials expect demand to remain elevated as long as the heat persists. Consumers who adjust their thermostat settings and unplug unused devices can see immediate savings on their monthly bills.
The current weather pattern shows no signs of immediate relief. Panama’s energy grid remains stable despite the increased load. Authorities urge residents to adopt energy-saving habits during this period of extreme heat.