Kuwait has announced its first-ever power outages in response to extremely high temperatures and increased electricity demand. The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy revealed plans for temporary power cuts, known as load shedding, during the hottest part of the day to more effectively manage the electricity supply. These power cuts could last up to two hours each time.
The current heatwave, intensified by climate change, has led to a surge in air conditioning use, significantly straining the power grid. To cope with this, the ministry has released a load-shedding schedule and is urging residents to use electricity more efficiently, particularly between 11 AM and 5 PM, the peak usage hours.
Despite the power outages, the health sector will remain unaffected. Hospitals and blood banks will continue to have uninterrupted power to ensure they can operate smoothly and provide necessary services.
This situation underscores the challenges Kuwait faces due to rising temperatures and increasing electricity demand. The government’s measures aim to prevent the power grid from becoming overwhelmed and to ensure that essential services continue to function properly. This move marks a significant step for Kuwait as it confronts the impacts of climate change and seeks to manage its energy resources more effectively.
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