KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The midday temperature rise on Wednesday pushed the electricity load index to its limits -- crossing the red zone with a ‘full’ rating -- recording 12,400 megawatts at 3:00 pm. This has prompted the Ministry of Electricity to schedule two-hour power outage in 53 areas -- 45 residential, five industrial and three agricultural. Sources from the ministry disclosed that the highest load recorded by the index on Wednesday was around 6,200 megawatts less than the total production capacity of all electricity generation stations, which amounts to 18,600 megawatts. “However, the units that could add to this capacity are currently under maintenance through contracts with specialized companies,” sources added. Sources affirmed that the Power Plants Sector in the ministry is exerting tremendous efforts to complete the maintenance works and integrate this amount into the grid to reduce loads and avoid resorting to scheduled power cuts in various residential areas. Sources also indicated that the ministry has resorted to importing 600 megawatts of energy from the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) in April and will continue doing so until September; increasing the amount to 1,000 megawatts per month starting in June until the end of the summer peak. The ministry urged citizens and expatriates to follow electricity conservation measures during peak hours; especially those related to air conditioners, which consume a large amount of energy.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) urged people Wednesday to avoid using elevators during the scheduled power outage set by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy. In a statement to KUNA, Public Relations and Media Department Director at KFF, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib, advised everyone to remain calm in the event of an elevator stoppage or a power outage, and press the alarm button to call for help, or call the Emergency No. 112 when needed. He cautioned not to attempt to open the elevator door to escape, as this could put their lives at risk, and instructed everyone to sit on the floor of the elevator to relieve stress and wait for assistance.

By Mohammed Ghanem
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies