Egypt’s power grid hits record 40,000 MW as summer demand rises
Egypt’s national electricity grid reached a record peak load of 40,000 megawatts on Tuesday, exceeding the previous high as summer temperatures drive up power consumption, the Ministry of Electricity said.
Tuesday’s peak was 700 MW higher than Monday’s 39,300 MW and 200 MW above the previous record of 39,800 MW, recorded last year, the ministry said in a statement.
The record highlights growing pressure on Egypt’s power network during the summer months, when higher temperatures increase demand for air conditioning and other cooling equipment.
The ministry said the grid had absorbed the record load, citing adherence to maintenance schedules, quality standards, and new operating practices to improve efficiency and reliability.
“Compliance with quality standards and maintenance programmes … and the application of new operating patterns have increased the unified grid’s ability to absorb unprecedented increases in loads and consumption,” Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat said.
The National Energy Control Centre has warned that electricity consumption and peak loads could reach unusually high levels this summer, the ministry said.
Esmat ordered continuous monitoring of the national grid across all voltage levels and instructed electricity company heads and operation and maintenance officials to remain on duty, the ministry said.
Technical support and emergency teams, maintenance crews, and occupational safety units have also been placed on heightened alert to respond to any operational issues.
The ministry said it was strengthening systems for receiving and responding to consumer complaints so that supply disruptions can be addressed quickly.
Egypt has faced recurring pressure to secure sufficient electricity supplies during the summer as rising temperatures and increased air-conditioning use push peak demand higher.
The ministry said continued maintenance and improvements in operating practices would help strengthen grid reliability as demand remains elevated.