To cut consumption of electricity, beginning August 6, all government employees working in departments that do not provide direct services to the public will be compelled to work from home every Sunday. The private sector is likewise encouraged to follow suit.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during a news conference addressing the severe heatwave that is hurting the functioning of the country’s electricity plants.
The issue is expected to persist until the end of August, according to Madbouly, prompting the government to announce a comprehensive plan to ease the burden on the electric grid.
The plan is set to run until early September and possibly extend into the first two weeks if high temperatures persist.
“The country will carry out the procedures announced during August and we hope that by September, alongside the expected drop in temperatures, the situation will begin to go back to normal,” Madbouly said. Daily power cuts of one or two hours will continue as long as the mercury is above 35°C, he added. An Electricity Ministry official said last week the power cuts would likely last until the middle of August.
Moreover, the state will start cutting back on its electricity consumption, reducing street lighting and keeping ACs at 25°C across all government buildings. Madbouly has also directed the Youth and Sports Ministry to reduce electricity use in sports facilities, stadiums, and arenas by scheduling matches before sunset.
