Kuwaiti MPs sound alarm on looming electricity crisis
Public anxiety grows over power outages, after it lasted several hours in three regions
Kuwaiti residents are facing the prospect of power outages this summer as the electricity grid struggles to meet rising demand. This concern comes after recent power cuts in parts of Al-Nozha, Al-Dahia, and Mansouria due to a malfunction at the Abdullah Al-Salem “M” main transfer station, even before the peak summer season has arrived. This has prompted a number of MPs to raise their voices, criticize the government’s handling of the situation, and propose solutions to avert a potential crisis.
Growing energy deficit and calls for transparency
Several MPs expressed concern about the growing energy deficit. Dr. Badr Al-Mulla highlighted the urgency of the issue, pointing to the recent power outages occurring before the summer months.
He criticized the government’s continued reliance on purchasing electricity from the Gulf connection without a clear long-term plan to address the root cause of the deficit. Dr. Mulla announced his intention to submit a request for a general discussion on the electricity problem in the National Assembly.
MP Abdulwahab Al-Issa shed light on the projected energy deficit through statistics. He revealed that the deficit stood at 645 megawatts last year and is expected to reach a staggering 1331 megawatts during the summer months of 2024. Al-Issa further warned that the deficit is projected to rise to 1444 megawatts in 2025 and 1636 megawatts in 2026. Abdulwahab Al-Issa expressed his belief that the public sector is “clinically dead” and incapable of effectively solving problems. He emphasized the critical nature of the situation and called for decisive action from the government.
Accusations of government failures and proposed solutions
MP Abdullah Al-Mudhaf attributed the current situation to a combination of factors: ineffective leadership, a dysfunctional parliament, and a history of government failures to address critical infrastructure issues. He stressed the urgency of an immediate plan to confront the crisis before the summer heat intensifies.
Dr. Abdul Karim Al-Kandari highlighted the importance of a reliable electricity supply, especially considering Kuwait’s harsh climate. He urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent power outages, citing delays in launching new electricity production projects and the aging of existing units as key contributors to the problem.
MP Dr. Falah Al-Hajri proposed a temporary solution: shortening the school year through a joint decision by the Ministries of Electricity and Water and Education. This would reduce energy consumption during the hot summer months when schools are typically empty.
The looming electricity crisis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kuwait’s infrastructure and the need for proactive measures from the government.
