Egypt Faces Power Crisis Amid Heatwave: Scheduled Power Cuts Begin as Grid Struggles

 

As Egypt battles a relentless heatwave, the ministries of electricity and petroleum have been compelled to initiate scheduled power cuts starting Tuesday. This move comes in the wake of soaring temperatures that have strained the country's electricity grid and natural gas supplies.

Last month, during one of the hottest periods in recorded history, the government resorted to targeted power cuts in select areas of 24 out of Egypt's 27 provinces. With citizens staying indoors and relying heavily on fans and air conditioning to combat the extreme heat, power consumption surged significantly.

The unexpected power cuts have stirred shock and anger among Egyptians, especially as the government has previously boasted about its capability to export excess electricity. The situation exacerbates the daily challenges faced by the public amidst a crushing economic crisis.

Throughout last month, power cuts were implemented without a discernible pattern, causing inconvenience for citizens who were left uncertain about when and for how long they would be without electricity.

In response to growing complaints, the cabinet has now released a schedule outlining the specific areas and durations of the power cuts. The schedule is structured based on cities, further divided into districts, providing some clarity and predictability for citizens.

As the heatwave continues, Egyptians brace themselves for the impact of the power cuts while hoping for a sustainable solution to alleviate the strain on the nation's energy infrastructure.