Residents of several Egyptian cities have complained of numerous power cuts on the first day of Ramadan.
In Qena, Ministry of Electricity reports said consumption reached its maximum capacity of 24,100 megawatts. The Qena aluminum factory refused to reduce its consumption, fearing it would incur losses.
“Reducing consumption means reducing production and incurring LE80 million in losses during Ramadan alone,” said Ragab Mahmoud of the aluminum factory. “Reductions in consumption should take place outside the industrial zone.”
Sources said the ministry would not cut electricity in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, but may be compelled to cut it in the governorates. They also said that keeping air conditioners switched on in mosques during prayer time in Ramadan affects the network’s capacity.
Residents in Gharbiya also complained to the military council of continuous power cuts.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
