Summer Power Crisis, Q8

Power crisis in Kuwait. Surprise! itz true.

Check out this article, which got published in "Kuwait Times" on June10,2010....

 "Summer Power Crisis"

   By Muna Al-Fuzai, Staff Columnist

Intolerable heat is a phenomenon that has affected most parts of the world. However, in a desert country like Kuwait, we believe that no place in the world can even remotely experience what we do. The dust laden, hot winds worsen Kuwait's weather. However, we are blessed with air-conditioning facilities everywhere. It appears as if we are locked in an air-conditioned capsule! These machines and power engines need maintenance and supervision to keep up best shape.

For the past few years, a warning is issued in Kuwait every summer by the Ministry of Electricity and Water(MEW) about rising power consumption. They even claim that this year is the 'highest in Kuwait's history'! Now, should we ask people to turn down air conditioning used at homes, offices because they want to reduce the usage. So, let us suppose some actually wanted to be law abiding citizens and followed the instructions of the Ministry of Electricity and Water(MEW). Many others like official government departments also consume power in the form of water and electricity. Air conditioning units or faucets are not switched off after working hours.

All these measures are simple but costly. So, maybe the Ministry of Water and Electricity should start thinking about how many of its offices use unnecessary lights and air conditioning units after work hours! Another issue here is why these warning alerts are not heeded by next-door officials' departments, before they are doled out to citizens. This request does not make sense to people. This is why people simply do not heed to these repeated calls even though they are made every day, every minute, if not every second!

Let me put forward two questions - how come we, a rich country, is struggling to generate power at a time when we give out loans to other counties so that they can build their own power stations? If this small country suffers from a shortage in power generating plants, why can't new plants be built? Another question is why electricity consumption in government offices not automated, instead of being controlled manually? Most departments entrust tea boys or security guards with taking care of such matters. After all, they are not responsible for doing so.

Minister Dr Badr Al-Shuraian has issued a statement stating that this year's summer shortage will hopefully be the last. It will be based on the fact that the Ministry has commenced with the construction of the first stage of the Subiya plant. It will help end the crisis situation.

Now, we are still in June. What should we do for the rest of summer and until next year? Some local areas here have already begun suffering from power cuts due to overload rates. That only means that this summer is going to be long and hot.