Tunisia

Heat wave raises electricity consumption and pushes Tunisia to periodic cuts

State-owned company says measure lasts 30 or 45 minutes to relieve load and avoid total blackout

Adel Bin Ibrahim Bin Elhady Elthabti

July 15, 2026 • Updated: July 15, 2026

TUNUS

TUNIS / Adel Al-Thabeti / Anadolu

Tunisia resorted to temporary periodic power cuts in some areas on Wednesday, following a rise in consumption due to the intensifying heat wave and heavy use of air conditioners.

The CEO of the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas, Faisal Tarifa, said the measure aims to relieve load on the feeder lines for the areas and protect the network from a total blackout.

Tarifa added, in statements to the Tunisian National Radio, that the periodic cut lasts 30 to 45 minutes in areas experiencing pressure on the network.

He said: "Coinciding with the significant rise in temperatures and intensive use of air conditioners, and to preserve the network and the country's electricity system and avoid a total power cut, periodic cuts are resorted to."

He explained that the period between 14:00 and 17:00 local time represents the peak of electricity consumption, due to the widespread use of air conditioners.

The director of the electricity company called on citizens to rationalize consumption and reduce the operation of unnecessary electrical appliances, and to use only one air conditioner at home during peak hours.

He indicated the possibility of continued periodic outages if the heat wave and high consumption continue.

He warned against exceeding the available capacity of the network, which amounts to about 5,000 megawatts.

The director of the electricity company said that when this capacity is exceeded, the company is forced to cut power to some areas.

He added: "If we do not maintain the system, a total power cut may occur."

Tarifa stressed that the company is working to avoid outages, while coordinating with Algeria and Libya to strengthen the interconnection of the Tunisian electricity grid.

Tunisia is experiencing a heat wave during which temperatures have exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in several areas, including Jendouba in the north, Kairouan in the center, and Tozeur in the southwest of the country.

The city of Mateur, belonging to the Bizerte governorate in northern Tunisia, recorded 47.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to figures from the National Institute of Meteorology.