** Electricity in Egypt: a summer without cuts? A promise under tension **
Egyptian electricity minister Mahmoud Esmat recently aroused hope among citizens saying that power cuts disturbing the daily life of Egyptians would not be recurrent this summer. During a fasting banquet of the fast, he explained the measures taken to guarantee a regular electrical supply, a subject which, until recently, was taboo among state officials. But behind this promise, hides a more complex reality which deserves to be examined from a more in -depth angle.
First of all, it is essential to contextualize the problem of electricity cuts in Egypt, which affect not only households, but also industry and the tourism sector, two pillars of the national economy. Last year, frequent cuts had raised the anger of the Egyptians, while the nation was already fighting against the economic impact of world crises. According to statistics from the Ministry of Electricity, energy consumption has experienced a significant increase, coinciding with an increase in temperatures and energy needs linked to air conditioning. However, the minister also recalled that the stability of the network has gradually improved, which seems to indicate a proactive response to a long -standing problem.
The question of electricity rates is another fundamental aspect of this equation. The recent announcement of the minister stipulating that no increase in electricity bills should be expected with a period of volatility in the dollar. This means that the prices, which are fixed in connection with the course of the dollar, remain subject to potential revisions. According to studies, tariff adjustments may have direct repercussions on the purchasing power of households, especially since the Egyptian population already undergoes the effects of rampant inflation.
But the promise of a constant supply is not free from challenges. The Minister stressed that his ministry would intensify his efforts to combat the flight of electricity, a recurring problem that increases the burden of the network. A study carried out in 2022 estimated that the flight of electricity constitutes a shortfall of several billion Egyptian pounds for the State. To effectively fight against this scourge, the implementation of dedicated surveillance systems and the awareness of the population to the importance of compliance with legal standards will play a crucial role.
Beyond the immediate measures taken to guarantee electricity this summer, the minister also mentioned close monitoring of renewable energy projects, a sector in which Egypt has already undertaken to invest massively. With the boom in solar and wind energies, the state could reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, thus contributing to lasting solutions. A study of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) revealed that Egypt could triple its capacity in renewable energies by 2030, which would represent both a strategy for stabilization of electrical supply and a commitment to an energy transition.
However, the enthusiasm aroused by these announcements must be tempered by a critical look at the structural issues that persist. The dependence on fossil fuels, the limits of electrical infrastructure and sometimes vague governance remain vicious circles that the State must break. In this regard, it will be crucial for the government to combine its promises to concrete and measurable actions in the event of the coming months.
In short, if the promise of a summer without power cuts is a source of hope, it requires being anchored in a global strategy which takes into account not only the economic and pricing context, but also the challenges inherent in energy management in Egypt. Citizens should not only be simple spectators of political decisions; They must be part of a collective dynamic towards a sustainable and equitable energy solution. In the end, the success of these promises is based on a real listening to the needs of the people and an answer adapted to their expectations. While summer is fast approaching, the Egyptian community will remain attentive to the way in which its leaders will meet the challenges of a reliable energy supply.
*This article is published by Fatshimetrie, the reference in terms of in -depth analysis and news on Egyptian issues.*