Several regions in Kuwait are expected to experience power outages on Thursday due to a heatwave that has caused a surge in electricity consumption, authorities in the oil-rich Gulf state announced.
Rationing Measures in Place
A rationing schedule of one to two hours per day will be implemented in certain areas for the second consecutive day.
This is due to the “inability of power plants to meet the increased demand” in the context of “higher temperatures compared to the same periods in previous years,” the Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity stated in a press release.
This marks the first time that authorities have announced such measures in response to a deficit in electricity production.
Kuwait’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Located in one of the hottest regions globally, Kuwait is accustomed to scorching summers. However, the country is increasingly affected by climate change, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels like oil, of which it is a major exporter.
Kuwaiti scientist Adel al-Saadoun told AFP, “Temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius in July, but they already reached 51 degrees yesterday.” He added, “What we are experiencing today is the result of climate change that the whole world is witnessing.”
Resident Accounts of Power Outages
A resident of the Umm al-Hayman region in the south of the country, who wished to remain anonymous, reported experiencing two hours without electricity on Wednesday.
She explained that her house remained cool because it was closed and that she is accustomed to turning off the air conditioning for a few hours each day.
However, she noted that “some people turn their homes into refrigerators even when they are not there, and this increases the electrical load.”
Political Challenges and Government Inaction
Kuwait, bordering Saudi Arabia and Iraq, holds 7% of the world’s crude oil reserves and boasts one of the most powerful sovereign wealth funds globally. However, it faces recurring political crises that have hindered its development and reform ambitions.
Former Health Minister Khaled al-Said attributed the electricity crisis to “government inaction and parliamentary obstacles,” as well as “regulatory authorities and their rules that slow down or even hinder development.”
In May, the Emir of Kuwait dissolved Parliament and suspended certain articles of the Constitution in response to the ongoing political turmoil.