Italy power demand hits record high as cold bites

ROME, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Electricity demand in Italy hit a new record high on Monday as a cold wave swept across the country, prompting people to turn up their radiators, power grid operator Terna (TRN.MI) said.

Power demand rose to 56,810 Megawatts at 1630 GMT on Monday and electricity consumption is set to remain high in the next few days due to low temperatures and the run-up to the Christmas season.

Monday beat last year's record by more than 2,400 Megawatts, which is equal to the average daily consumption of a big city like Rome. (Reporting by Silvia Aloisi)