Kuwait has announced its first-ever power outages because of extremely high temperatures and increased electricity demand. The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy said there will be temporary power cuts, known as load shedding, during the hottest part of the day to manage the electricity supply more effectively. These power cuts could last up to two hours each time.
The current heatwave, which is intensified by climate change, has led to a surge in air conditioning use, putting a lot of pressure on the power grid. To cope with this, the ministry has released a load-shedding schedule. They are asking residents to use electricity more efficiently, especially between 11 AM and 5 PM, which are the peak hours.
Despite these power outages, the health sector will not be affected. Hospitals and blood banks will continue to have uninterrupted power to ensure they can operate smoothly and provide necessary services.
The situation highlights the challenges Kuwait is facing due to rising temperatures and the increasing demand for electricity.
The government is taking these measures to prevent the power grid from becoming overwhelmed and to ensure that essential services continue to function properly. This is a significant step for Kuwait as it deals with the impacts of climate change and seeks to manage its energy resources more effectively.
