Due to a sharp increase in electricity usage caused by a prolonged heatwave, the Egyptian government has announced that daily power cuts will be extended to three hours. This is an increase from the previously scheduled two-hour blackouts, aimed at managing the heightened demand and ensuring the stability of the nation’s power grid.
The decision was made by the cabinet after the Electricity and Petroleum Ministries observed a significant rise in temperatures, exceeding typical levels for this time of year. As a result, the original plan to impose power cuts for two hours has been revised, with the new schedule extending the cuts to three hours daily until the end of the current week.
This adjustment is crucial for maintaining the safe operation of Egypt’s gas network and power generation stations, which have been under increased strain. The ministries stated in a joint announcement that “The extension of the power cuts by an additional hour is a necessary measure to ensure the stability and safety of our power systems during this period of extreme heat.”
Egypt has been dealing with energy challenges since July of the previous year when a combination of falling gas production, rising demand, and a shortage of foreign currency began affecting the country’s power supply. This situation has led to scheduled power outages across most regions, significantly impacting daily life and economic activities.
Earlier this month, the situation was worsened by a gas supply shortage, causing temporary shutdowns at several fertilizer and chemical manufacturing facilities. The ongoing power cuts, which initially started last summer due to increased air conditioning usage, have caused widespread frustration among citizens and disruptions to businesses.
One particularly tragic incident highlighted the severity of the situation when Mohammed Ali Nasr, a saxophonist, died after falling down an elevator shaft in Alexandria. He was trapped in the elevator during a power outage, as reported by his brother on a local television program.
The recurring blackouts have sparked public debate over the government’s energy management, especially since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had previously highlighted the improvement of power supplies as a significant achievement of his administration following the ousting of Mohamed Mursi in 2013. The government attributes the ongoing power issues to the increasing demand fueled by a growing population, now exceeding 106 million, and numerous development projects.
As the blackouts persist, some Egyptians have taken to social media to express their discontent, with critical comments and shares of official posts from previous years that boasted improved power infrastructure. Some of these posts have since been deleted, reflecting the sensitive nature of the public’s response to the current energy crisis. Officials are now tasked with not only managing the immediate fallout from these extended blackouts but also addressing the underlying issues that have led to the country’s strained energy resources.
