OREANDA-NEWS. June 05, 2008. Over the first five months of 2008, the power plants of RAO "UES of Russia" increased their electricity output by 5,5 percent year-on-year to 319,6 billion kWh from 303 billion kWh., reported the press-centre of RAO "UES of Russia".

In January-March 2008, the average ambient air temperatures were higher than the long-term averages, but energy consumption across Russia grew 4,4 percent yoy to 442,3 billion kWh. Electricity consumption has been growing in full accordance with the forecasts included in the Master Plan for the Location of Energy Facilities until 2020. The Investment Programme of the RAO UES energy companies for 2008-2012 was also prepared based on similar forecasts.

The bulk of the increased electricity demand was satisfied by the RAO UES thermal power plants. Over the five months of 2008, generation by the TPPs increased by 10.1 percent. The decrease in generation by HPPs due to unfavourable hydrological situation in the major river basins was compensated by TPPs.

In May 2008, the power plants of RAO "UES of Russia" increased their electricity output by 5,1 percent. During the month, the average ambient air temperatures were 1,2 degrees above the norm, with the country's electricity consumption growing by 3,1 percent.