Kuwait moves to secure winter electricity: What consumers need to know
- New Gulf power deal could mean smoother summers for Kuwait homes
- More reliable electricity ahead: Ministry plans fresh energy import contract
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has submitted a request to the State Audit Bureau to approve a new contract for importing electricity from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Interconnection Authority.
The proposed agreement will cover the January 1-March 31, 2026 period, ensuring additional power supply for Kuwait during the winter season.
According to ministry sources, the new contract will follow the existing agreement under which Kuwait has been purchasing 600 megawatts of electricity from the GCC Interconnection Authority until the end of this year. Approval from the Audit Bureau is the final step before signing, reports Al-Rai daily.
Why this matters to consumers
The ministry plans to rely on imported power over the next few months so it can carry out full maintenance on local electricity generation units. This preventive work is crucial for ensuring stable, high-efficiency performance during the peak summer months, when national electricity demand reaches its highest levels.
Sources emphasized that periodic imports will continue — depending on the needs of the national grid—until new domestic power projects begin operating. The first expected addition is the Subbiya Power Station – Phase Four, followed by Al-Zour North – Phases Two and Three.
Since March, Kuwait has been purchasing between 500 and 900 megawatts at different times to support the grid, especially during maintenance periods.
Boosting network capacity
The ministry is also close to completing a key interconnection line between the GCC’s Al-Wafra station and Kuwait’s Sabah Al-Ahmad stations. Once finished, the link will increase the amount of electricity Kuwait can draw from the Gulf grid.
Officials say this upgrade — expected to be finalized this month — will give the ministry greater flexibility and help ease pressure on the network during the summer, reducing the risk of power interruptions for consumers.
