Electricity Authority: Peak load to drop to 17,540 megawatts in summer 2026
Kuwait’s power system recorded a peak load of 17,540 megawatts during the summer of 2026, a decrease of 70 megawatts from the 17,610 megawatts recorded in the summer of 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of decline in peak load, despite urban, demographic, and economic expansion, as well as the addition of new loads to the grid.
Dr. Sabih Abdulaziz Al-Muheziem, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, stated that this decline reflects an improvement in consumption efficiency and patterns. He noted that peak load also decreased in the summer of 2025 to 17,610 megawatts, compared to 17,640 megawatts in the summer of 2024.
2,078 Megawatts of New Loads
Al-Muheziem clarified that new facilities added 1,059 megawatts to the grid between the summers of 2024 and 2025, and 1,019 megawatts between the summers of 2025 and 2026, totaling 2,078 megawatts over two years. Despite this increase, the peak load in the summer of 2026 remained below the levels recorded in the previous two years, reflecting the impact of energy efficiency measures and improved consumption patterns, particularly during peak hours.
He pointed out that load management measures, including reducing working hours in government entities by one hour, halting factory operations during peak periods, and implementing the national energy and water conservation campaign “Waffir” (Save), contributed to alleviating pressure on the grid and supporting service continuity.
An Exceptional Summer
The minister emphasized that the summer of 2026 occurred under exceptional operational conditions due to regional developments and Iranian attacks that targeted parts of the power system, including electricity generation plants, water desalination facilities, fuel storage tanks, and overhead lines. These attacks caused units and components to go offline and affected certain production capacities.
He added that these same conditions impacted routine and preventive maintenance schedules. However, Ministry teams continued working around the clock to repair damages and restore affected units and facilities to service, gradually completing maintenance works by the end of August.
“Waffir” Campaign: Continuous Conservation
Al-Muheziem highlighted that the “Waffir” campaign helped stabilize both the electricity and water systems during the summer by raising awareness about reducing unnecessary consumption during peak hours. He noted the campaign’s expansion through partnerships with government and private entities, implementing educational programs, lectures, and activities targeting various segments of society.
He stressed that consumption conservation has become a complementary element to plans enhancing the security and sustainability of the electricity and water systems. He affirmed the Ministry’s continued implementation of projects to increase production capacities, develop transmission and distribution networks, and expand renewable energy projects, alongside strategic projects that have reached their final stages with the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority.
