Algerian heatwave: Electricity consumption hits new record on July 21 this year

Sonelgaz announced a new record in electricity consumption on Sunday, a direct consequence of the ongoing heatwave. The extraordinary situation highlights the growing pressure on the national grid as high temperatures prompt consumers to use more air conditioners and other energy-intensive appliances.

Sonelgaz announces new record for electricity consumption

In a press release, the national company Sonelgaz noted that demand reached Peak 19,500 MW At 12:48 p.m. today, the previous record was broken. Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Alkab announced that Algeria’s electricity production capacity has reached about 26,000 megawatts, enough to meet all national needs, including peak demand. He made the above statement during a visit to the National Electricity System Management Center in Sonelgaz.

Also read: Algeria on the verge of electric asphyxiation: Sonelgaz announces record consumption peak

During this visit, Alkab revealed that Algeria has set a new record for electricity demand. The latest peak occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2024, with a peak of 19,135 MW, significantly exceeding the record of 18,697 MW recorded in July 2023. Another peak occurred at 2 pm on the same day, reaching 19,422 MW, showing a significant increase in electricity consumption in the country.

Electricity consumption increases: Sonelgaz keeps close watch

In the face of growing demand, the Minister highlighted the efforts of the Sonelgaz Group to prepare for the summer of 2024. The necessary works and projects have been launched to guarantee seamless electricity supply in the summer, the period of greatest electricity consumption, from September 2023. These efforts include the implementation of major state-funded investment projects to strengthen the transmission network.

Also read: Summer 2024 – High electricity demand: Sonelgaz implements a special program

An emergency plan was implemented to increase transport capacity, especially in the 16 provinces that experienced abnormal consumption last year. Akab assured that these measures will be able to effectively respond to the growing demand and maintain stable and reliable electricity distribution throughout the country.