ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy is gearing up for its annual maintenance program, set to commence next week, to ensure a stable electricity and water supply for the upcoming summer season. This initiative is critical to meeting the country’s growing energy demands, particularly during the peak summer months when consumption soars due to high temperatures. The ministry is simultaneously coordinating with the Housing Care Foundation to address the electricity and water requirements of three planned residential cities: Nawaf Al-Ahmad, Al-Sabriya, and Al-Khairan.
According to sources cited by Al Rai newspaper, discussions between the ministry and the Housing Care Foundation are centered on establishing a clear timetable to meet the infrastructure needs of these new cities. These urban developments are expected to significantly increase demand for electricity and water, necessitating careful planning to integrate them into the national grid without compromising service reliability.
The maintenance program involves systematically taking power generation units and water plants offline for both preventive and comprehensive repairs. The ministry aims to complete the bulk of this work before April to ensure sufficient capacity during the summer. A key component of the plan includes an agreement with the Gulf Interconnection Network to purchase 900 megawatts of electricity during the maintenance period. This additional power will allow more units to undergo maintenance without disrupting the national supply, ensuring a smoother operation of the grid.
The ministry’s strategy also focuses on enhancing the reliability of aging power units, many of which are overdue for decommissioning. By conducting thorough maintenance, the ministry seeks to prevent unexpected shutdowns that have previously strained the grid during peak demand. Lessons learned from measures implemented this past summer, which helped mitigate shortages, are being applied to further improve the system’s resilience.
This dual approach maintaining existing infrastructure while planning for future urban expansion underscores Kuwait’s commitment to energy security. By prioritizing timely maintenance and regional cooperation, the ministry aims to avoid the power outages that have occasionally plagued the country in recent years, ensuring a stable supply for both current residents and the new communities of Nawaf Al-Ahmad, Al-Sabriya, and Al-Khairan.
