Why Egypt’s electricity grid is experiencing its highest load ever
Egypt’s electricity use has reached its highest level this year, as rising temperatures continue to sweep across the country.
The National Energy Control Centre reported that on Wednesday, July 23, the national grid recorded a peak load of 38,000 megawatts which is the highest the country has seen in the past year.
This comes as much of Egypt, including the capital Cairo, struggles through temperatures reaching 40°C or more in recent days.
The Electricity Ministry said this surge in demand is different from previous years.
While last year’s highest load came on a single day during a heatwave, this year’s pressure on the grid has stretched across several days, with no immediate sign of cooling.
To deal with the growing demand, authorities have increased emergency preparedness across the national electricity system.
Power stations, transmission lines, and distribution networks are all being closely monitored.
The ministry has also deployed teams on the ground and ordered continuous checks to ensure the system holds up.
Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat said the country is doing everything it can to prevent blackouts and ensure stable power supply.
“There must be immediate and accurate communication with citizens, verification of complaint resolution, and a continued push for better services,” he was quoted by local media as saying.
In recent years, Egypt has struggled with repeated power cuts during hot summer months, when air conditioning use rises sharply.
In 2023, the country introduced power-saving measures to reduce strain on its gas-based energy system.
But this year, the government has promised there will be no planned power cuts, despite the sharp rise in usage.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
