The Egyptian government has not imposed any price increases on electricity since 2008, said Minister of Electricity Hassan Younis, implying that the government is examining the possibility of raising electricity prices. A possible increase in prices will take into account limited-income categories, Younis added. In a television interview with the head of the Egyptian Television news section, Younis denied that any pressure had been placed on Egypt to exclude Dabaa as a site for Egypt's first nuclear power station. According to the minister, studies have demonstrated that Dabaa is the best location for the station, and tourist development in the area should not be impeded by the project. The nuclear project will only be launched after all necessary studies have been completed, the minister said. Younis said current investments in the electricity sector amount to LE80 bn, and future investments between 2010-2017 will reach LE120 bn. The state will not bear the costs of any of these projects, he said. Egypt is the most advanced African country in the field of electricity, according to Younis. However it has a problem with power cuts at peak hours of consumption, especially during the summertime. Three thousand megawatts of electricity are needed on a daily basis to cover peak-time usage of electricity. It is not possible to instigate projects costing around LE17 bn just to enhance service over the two-hour peak consumption period of the day, Younis said. The solution is to reduce consumption during peak hours, from 8PM to 10PM. The government has already started moderating consumption and so should citizens, he said. Younis revealed that domestic consumption of electricity exceeds consumption by the industrial sector--the opposite of the situation in developed countries. There are currently more than three million air conditioning units installed in homes, the minister added. Younis encouraged the use of low-consumption neon light bulbs, saying there should be no fears of their causing health risks. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
