Analysis of the relationship between the regional electricity demand and the Universal Thermal Climate Index in Mexico

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between electricity demand and thermal comfort across Mexico, utilizing the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) derived from ERA5 reanalysis data. The analysis focuses on the interplay between regional electricity demand patterns and meteorological variables, addressing how temperature and related climatic conditions influence energy consumption. Through spectral and temporal evaluations, the study identifies dominant daily, weekly, and annual cycles in electricity usage and correlates these with thermal stress classifications. Results highlight the existence of region-specific demand behaviors, with some areas exhibiting strong seasonal variability and others maintaining stable demand year-round. Notably, higher electricity demand is associated with extreme thermal discomfort — particularly under hot conditions — underscoring the impact of cooling needs. The research underscores the importance of considering climatic stressors in national energy planning, especially in the context of increasing temperatures due to climate change. It also evaluates the technical challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid, particularly the spatial mismatch between energy generation and consumption zones. The findings support the development of adaptive energy policies that consider biometeorological indices to ensure infrastructure resilience and sustainable electricity distribution under evolving climatic conditions. • UTCI is a useful tool to study electricity demand. • Strong heat stress promotes electricity demand increase. • Cold stress has no influence on electricity demand behavior. • Electricity demand and UTCI relation forms a loop. • The UTCI index underpins studies on climate change scenarios for electricity demand.