KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19, (Agencies): The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEW) stated on Monday that electrical generating units at some power stations and water desalination plants would gradually return to operating capacities, following yesterday’s power cuts.

In a press release, MEW explained that a malfunction affecting several electrical generating units at some stations over the past two days was caused by gas supply issues. The ministry urged everyone to conserve electricity during peak hours -- from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm local time -- expressing gratitude to everyone for their cooperation in this emergency, reflecting their sense of shared responsibility towards the stability of the electricity grid. Haitham Al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, has addressed the power outages affecting parts of residential areas, attributing the issue to a malfunction in the gas supply, reports Al-Seyassah Daily.

This malfunction led to the failure of several units at the Al-Subiya and Doha West power stations. In a statement to Kuwait TV, Al-Ali explained that the outages were exacerbated by the unusually high temperatures, which have soared to 46.5°C, compared to 37.5°C at the same time last year. Efforts are being made around the clock to restore the affected units and address the issue. To manage the situation, the ministry initially cut power to factories and farms before extending the outages to some residential areas, with interruptions lasting between one and two hours.

Al-Ali noted that while the gas supply quality has improved, its previous state caused some units to temporarily fail. He expects that within the next 24 hours, power will be fully restored and the situation will improve. In response to ongoing power outages announced by the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the Fire Department has issued a warning to avoid using elevators if and when necessary, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The department advises the public to remain calm and composed if they find themselves inside an elevator during a power outage. They recommend not attempting to force open the elevator doors. Instead, individuals should sit on the elevator floor, stay calm, and use the emergency number 112 to request assistance.