Power shortages to sink below 10k MW under planned measures: Minister
Iranian Energy Minister predicted that, “If planned measures are implemented, this year’s electricity deficit in the country will drop to below 10,000 megawatts (MW).”
Abbas Aliabadi stated, “Last year’s electricity shortage was estimated at 18,000 to 20,000 MW. If this year’s plans are executed, we will reduce the shortages,” ISNA reported.
The energy minister addressed reporters regarding the electricity deficits during the summer, remarking, “If measures are not implemented, the electricity shortages could reach 24,000 MW. However, we anticipate that with the execution of these plans, the imbalance will fall to less than 10,000 MW.”
In response to ISNA’s question about the Energy Ministry’s plans to revise tariffs, he said, “Tariffs will be increased incrementally. For consumption within the standard pattern, there will be minimal changes. However, subscribers who exceed the standard consumption pattern will face more significant adjustments. This policy will apply to both water and electricity.”
The minister elaborated on the challenges facing Iran’s electricity industry, emphasizing, “The electricity deficit is an undeniable reality rooted in high energy intensity, particularly in the household sector. To manage this, extensive plans are underway, primarily aimed at optimizing consumption and reforming usage patterns, especially among high-consumption subscribers.”
Aliabadi stressed that, “Serious management of electricity consumption in Iran is imperative, and reducing the deficit is impossible without public cooperation and corrective policies.”
“Iran’s electricity economy requires fundamental reforms. We are developing and implementing policies to ensure that the economic burden of tariff hikes does not fall on low- and average-consumption subscribers. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that high-consumption subscribers, though fewer in number, account for a significant share of electricity usage and must be guided toward efficient consumption,” he added.