Kuwait Temporarily Reduces Power Supply Amid Surge in Electricity Demand
Officials urge residents to conserve energy as summer heat drives record consumption
Kuwait has implemented temporary electricity cuts in various rural and industrial regions as the country's power demand surpasses the capacity of generation facilities currently undergoing maintenance.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced load-shedding affecting the areas of Sabhan, Sulaibiya, Rai, Shuwaikh, and Abdullah Porta.
In light of this measure, the ministry urged residents and businesses to reduce electricity usage, particularly during peak consumption hours from 11am to 5pm.
The recent surge in demand is attributed to the extreme summer temperatures, which often exceed 50ºC, compelling millions to rely heavily on air-conditioning and cooling systems.
Temperatures in Kuwait have recently increased by approximately 10ºC, reaching around 38ºC.
Experts have raised concerns regarding a potential electricity crisis, stemming from delays in the planning and construction of new power stations necessary to address the rising demand.
The electricity sector in Kuwait is characterized by significant subsidies, which can exacerbate the issues surrounding supply and demand.
Last summer marked the first instance of scheduled load-shedding in Kuwait, a response to similar demands on the electrical grid.
During that period, the nation also imported electricity through the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Interconnection Authority and entered a 15-year agreement with Qatar to supply liquefied natural gas for power generation.
Former Member of Parliament Essam Salman Al Dabbous commented on social media concerning the ministry's measures, questioning whether steps had been adequately taken to boost the reserve capacity or enhance production to avoid repeating last year's circumstances.
In a proactive step towards sustainability, Kuwait's government recently signed a contract with China aimed at expanding electricity generation through solar energy.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet 15 percent of the country's energy requirements through renewable sources by the year 2030.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced load-shedding affecting the areas of Sabhan, Sulaibiya, Rai, Shuwaikh, and Abdullah Porta.
In light of this measure, the ministry urged residents and businesses to reduce electricity usage, particularly during peak consumption hours from 11am to 5pm.
The recent surge in demand is attributed to the extreme summer temperatures, which often exceed 50ºC, compelling millions to rely heavily on air-conditioning and cooling systems.
Temperatures in Kuwait have recently increased by approximately 10ºC, reaching around 38ºC.
Experts have raised concerns regarding a potential electricity crisis, stemming from delays in the planning and construction of new power stations necessary to address the rising demand.
The electricity sector in Kuwait is characterized by significant subsidies, which can exacerbate the issues surrounding supply and demand.
Last summer marked the first instance of scheduled load-shedding in Kuwait, a response to similar demands on the electrical grid.
During that period, the nation also imported electricity through the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Interconnection Authority and entered a 15-year agreement with Qatar to supply liquefied natural gas for power generation.
Former Member of Parliament Essam Salman Al Dabbous commented on social media concerning the ministry's measures, questioning whether steps had been adequately taken to boost the reserve capacity or enhance production to avoid repeating last year's circumstances.
In a proactive step towards sustainability, Kuwait's government recently signed a contract with China aimed at expanding electricity generation through solar energy.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet 15 percent of the country's energy requirements through renewable sources by the year 2030.
Translation:
Translated by AI
