Electricity Ministry on alert for Eid al-Adha holiday

Ministry provides autonomous diesel-generator units to ensure stable service in coastal cities, resorts

The Ministry of Electricity asserts it's ready for the Eid al-Adha holiday (11-14 August) when the heat is at its height and the power consumption rates shoot high.
The peak of the summer season (high power consumption) this year coincides with the Eid al-Adha holiday, which puts the ministry on alert, especially that many families flock to coastal cities and resorts so the electricity networks there must be serviced taking into account such crucial period.
The ministry said power networks in these areas were supported with autonomous diesel-generator units (АDGU) – designed for electric energy production in autonomous conditions not depending on central power supply system – to ensure stable service.
It came in a report sent to the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Mohamed Shaker, from the Chairperson of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), Gaber El-Desouky, on its measures to meet the citizens' needs of electricity in this period.
Hossam Afify, head of the North Cairo Electricity Distribution Company, said that all electricity cables in coastal regions were checked to ensure that they can withstand the high temperatures. Substations have also been supplied with cooling units.
While Mohamed Al-Sisi, head of the South Cairo Electricity Distribution Company, said all technical support departments are on alert for any power failures, spare parts have been upgraded, and electricity generation units have been checked to avoid disruption.
Moreover, Hamdy Okasha, head of the Behira Electricity Distribution Company, said that maintenance works have been completed in power stations and ADGUs were put on standby. Transportations for electricity statiuons' employees have been secured, especially in the Northern Coast and Marsa Matrouh, which is witnessing a massive influx of locals and tourists to spend Eid and summer holidays.
On the other hand, Mohamed El Sayed, head of the Suez Canal Electricity Distribution Company, said its EGP 750m ambitious plan of new electricity projects have been completed six months ahead of schedule and that all the areas covered by the company in seven governorates have electricity surplus that can be tapped anytime.
Meanwhile, Samy Abu Warda, head of Upper Egypt Electricity Distribution Company, said the Upper Egypt governorates are also witnessing high influx of citizens during the Eid as many people working in Cairo return hometowns to spend the holiday with their families, which increases the consumption rates in the areas covered by the company. Periodic maintenance of all electricity network components has been completed in preparation for high temperatures.
Moreover, a central operation room has been formed, where all departments will be working in 3 shifts 24/7.
Raafat Shammaa, head of the Central Egypt Electricity Distribution Company, said an ambitious plan has been prepared to improve the efficiency of distribution networks with EGP 1.7bn investment.
Medhat Fouda, chairperson of Alexandria Electricity Distribution Company, said a maintenance plan has been implemented in preparation for the Eid holiday, including replacement and renovation of electricity columns, isolators, and distribution boards.
Maintenance works were also carried out for substations, low voltage cables, and networks. Total 27 ADGUs were deployed to provide access to energy in emergency situations.