Kuwait withstands record power demand as temperatures soar to 52°C
Electricity Ministry credits Gulf Interconnection, rapid repairs, and regional cooperation
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy successfully overcame a major test of resilience as the national power grid sustained a record-high electrical load of 17,520 megawatts (MW) — the highest so far this summer — despite scorching temperatures reaching up to 52°C.
According to informed sources, the Ministry managed to meet the country’s full electricity needs even as demand surged. This achievement came despite an emergency shutdown of three production units at the Doha East Power Plant, reports Al-Rai daily.
“The grid remained stable and responsive thanks to the rapid restoration of two units and support from the Gulf electricity interconnection,” the sources confirmed. Maintenance work is currently underway on the third unit, which suffered a transformer fire, with plans to return it to service shortly.
The sources added that the load recorded yesterday came within 120 MW of last year’s all-time high of 17,640 MW, suggesting that demand could surpass that level if temperatures remain extreme.
In a show of oversight and reassurance, Minister Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem and Undersecretary Dr. Adel Al-Zamil personally supervised the grid’s status from the monitoring and control center, ensuring that safety protocols and emergency procedures were executed effectively.
