Kuwait’s power load soars to record 16,030 MW as temperatures hit 51°C
Despite the high rate of power consumption, the ministry did not resort to power cuts due to the precautionary measures it has implemented
Today’s temperature of 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit) pushed the electrical load index by 1,000 megawatts (MW), reaching its highest electrical load this year at 16,030 MW.
Informed sources explained to Al-Rai that, “Despite the high rate of power consumption, the ministry did not resort to power cuts due to the precautionary measures it implemented, including cutting off power to all schools after the end of the school day, and also cutting off power to mosques immediately after performing prayers.”
MEW sources pointed out that these simple measures succeeded in reducing the load on the power grid without harming farm owners or tenants in industrial areas, who normally have to bear the brunt during high loads on the power network.
Meanwhile, the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) has decided not to approve the Ministry’s request for a fourth extension of the contract for the operation and maintenance of gas turbines and their accessories at the Doha West Power Plant until the new tender procedures are completed.
In a related development, the Meteorological Department expects temperatures to continue rising over the coming days, with the weather expected to be extremely hot during the day.
The department’s acting director, Dharar Al-Ali, explained that monitoring stations recorded a minimum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius today, and a maximum temperature ranging between 48 and 51 degrees Celsius in most desert areas.
