Kuwait powers through scorching summer without programmed power cuts

Irrespective whether programed power cuts are used during the remaining days of summer or not, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has succeeded in controlling power usage throughout the country.

At the beginning of the summer season, expectations were high that MEW will not be able to manage the situation without opting for programmed power cuts during the peak months of July and August.

Questions were asked about how long power cuts might last and which areas would be affected the most, yet, the ministry with determination poured cold-water over-all speculations, even during extreme conditions when the country recorded 50-degree Celsius and to add insult to injury two units at the Subbiya power plant became inoperative.

A senior source at the ministry told Al-Rai that MEW navigated this summer safely by adopting a successful strategy and prudent management, with valuable support from the Gulf Interconnection Network.

The source attributed the stability of the load index since late May, and the safe passage through the recent heat wave, to a combination of strategic planning and field procedures, built on five main factors.

• First, reducing energy consumption in cryptocurrency mining, which previously drew about 750 megawatts from the grid.
• Second, limiting industrial facility loads during peak hours, from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
• Third, improving efficiency and saving energy.
• Fourth, strengthening network monitoring and ensuring efficiency by carrying out proper maintenance work.
• Fifth, implementing rationalization campaigns in coordination with relevant government agencies, which produced positive results.
• Other factors also helped ease pressure on the network at certain times. These included the end of the school year, the travel season coinciding with a heat wave, and the impact of high humidity, which reduced electricity consumption despite high temperatures.

The source emphasized that these measures have led to lower consumption compared to previous periods, noting that the ministry achieved “real success in safely navigating the summer.”

The source stressed that the balance between strategic planning and field actions highlights the country’s capacity to withstand the harshest summer challenges. It also proves that overcoming heat waves requires more than electricity consumption management—it depends on an integrated approach combining government planning with community awareness.

The source praised the efforts of the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, as well as the ministry’s leadership and employees in plant operation and maintenance.

He also credited the Gulf Interconnection Network, which provided an additional 900 megawatts, for supporting the ministry’s successful summer strategy.

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