KUWAIT CITY, April 3: The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy implemented scheduled power outages yesterday in certain agricultural and industrial areas to address a production shortfall caused by several units undergoing periodic maintenance.

The power outages affected eight areas in total, including three agricultural regions—Wafra, Abdali, and Rawdatayn—and five industrial zones: Mina Abdullah, Subhan, Shuwaikh, Sulaibiya, and Al-Rai. In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the outages were necessary due to high electrical loads and ongoing maintenance of some electricity generating units, which are being prepared for full operation during the summer. The ministry also emphasized that it had coordinated with the Gulf Interconnection Authority of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to bolster Kuwait's national grid and ensure the stability of the country's electrical system.

The ministry urged both citizens and residents to conserve electricity, particularly during peak hours, which run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sources revealed that the ministry is currently drawing about 600 megawatts from the Gulf interconnection grid through a power purchase agreement for the entire month of April, which will be renewed for the same amount in May. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing for the purchase of 1,000 megawatts during the summer months of June, July, August, and September.

Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, monitored the situation from the main control center, where he met with station managers to assess the status of the electrical units undergoing maintenance, the progress made, and the expected timelines for their return to service.

Yesterday, the electricity demand indicator reached its highest level, with consumption surpassing the safe production capacity of the power plants, which is approximately 9,100 megawatts. The peak load reached 10,050 megawatts, a significant increase, coinciding with rising temperatures of 37°C, compared to 33°C the day before. This rise in temperature, along with the return of high winds and increased air conditioning use—responsible for 70% of total electricity consumption—contributed to the surge in demand.

It is important to note that the ministry conducts periodic maintenance programs annually between September and May, following a pre-arranged schedule with its contractors.