Kuwait pushes energy expansion, tariff review and MEW restructuring

Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, voiced confidence that production capacity savings will be realized once the ongoing electricity and water projects are completed, underscoring the importance of carefully managing the current phase until those projects become operational.

Speaking during the ministry’s National Holidays celebration, Al-Mukhaizeem said the ministry is witnessing an unprecedented boom in projects following the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority.

He noted that three projects are currently being tendered through the Authority, in addition to the North Al-Zour Power Plant (Phases 2 and 3), whose contract was signed last week. He expects three more projects to be floated later this year, reports Al-Rai daily.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem emphasized that while the benefits of such projects are realized after implementation, the most critical step is ensuring that execution begins without delay.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Dr. Adel Al-Zamil affirmed the ministry’s commitment to transforming into an institutional structure under a precise legislative framework aligned with best international practices.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to review electricity and water consumption tariffs, stressing that the needs of low-income groups will be taken into account.

Al-Zamil expressed hope that both the institutional transformation and tariff review files will be finalized during the current year.
He added that the annual maintenance program is progressing smoothly despite the presence of aging units.

The ministry is intensifying preparations for the upcoming summer season through several measures, including purchasing electricity via the Gulf interconnection grid, promoting rational consumption, and working toward issuing legislation to allow energy purchases from other sources.