KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Statistics issued by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy revealed a 45 million imperial gallon increase in water consumption which reached 505.701 million imperial gallons compared to the production of 460.491 million imperial gallons on Monday. Sources from the ministry attributed the increase in consumption over production to the rising temperatures, indicating that the strategic water reserve reached 3,649.378 million imperial gallons.

Despite this, it is still necessary to rationalize the consumption of water similar to electricity in order to avoid withdrawing from the strategic water reserve and to save millions spent to desalinate water from the sea, sources added. In a related context and despite the high temperatures that exceeded 50 degrees Celsius, the electricity load index stabilized in the green zone yesterday; recording 16,021 megawatts at peak time for the second day in a row after the entry of nearly 1,000 megawatts from South Zour Station after the completion of the necessary maintenance works.

Sources explained that the stability of the index in the green zone does not mean the ministry will not resort to programmed cuts if it needs to do so due to any emergency or increase in consumption rates. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to follow rationalization mechanisms that have contributed a major role in the decline in consumption rates, especially in the government sector.

The load rates, as of yesterday, were still less than the maximum load expected by the ministry for the summer of this year -- 16,707 megawatts, sources added. Meanwhile, the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company announced on Tuesday its ongoing efforts to reduce electricity consumption at its work sites, including its main office and joint operations. This initiative aligns with state directives to regulate electricity usage, decrease electrical loads, and sustain national resources. In a press statement, the company highlighted that its employees are actively engaged in energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights, air conditioning units, computers, and other equipment after official working hours.

In joint operations areas, various legal measures have been implemented in administrative offices, fields, and operations areas. Additionally, official working hours at external locations have been adjusted to comply with state procedures during peak periods. The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company reiterated its commitment to public benefit by reducing energy consumption and preserving the environment and public resources. The company expressed hope that these measures will achieve the desired goals and contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve state resources and rationalize electricity consumption in the oil sector. The company also appreciated the efforts of its employees and their professional and national commitment.

The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was established in 2002. It is responsible for the exploration, development, and production of oil in the onshore area of the region divided between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Experts have underscored the urgent need to implement a plan to promote rational consumption to address the power outage issue and ensure a stable summer. Mishal Al-Mana highlighted the Consumer Protection Association’s efforts, in collaboration with Kuwait TV and the ministry, to raise awareness about judicious electricity and water usage. This initiative includes posters, leaflets, and video clips aimed at educating the public to prevent the scheduled power cuts that the ministry announced earlier. Al-Mana revealed the association’s participation in the Advisory Committee for Awareness of Electricity and Water Usage is set to begin next week.

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