Blackouts intensify in Egypt as consumption soars, production lags

Electricity consumption in Egypt hit unprecedented levels on Monday, with some Cairo neighbourhoods seeing up to six blackouts during the day, lasting from one to two hours each time.

The country's electricity minister, Mohamed Shaker, said that consumption during the day hit a record-high 27,700 megawatts (mW) while production capacities were only at 22,000 mW – 20 percent less than what was needed.

The power cuts often leave local businesses hurting. Hossam Arafat, head of the oil products division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, said that gas stations' profits have been badly hit by the recurring shortages.

Blackouts in Egypt have become more frequent each summer since they first started in August 2008, due to a shortfall between production and consumption.

Frequent long blackouts running up to the 30 June protests last summer were said to be partly responsible for President Mohamed Morsi's ouster.