The electricity grid attained its peak load ever registered in the Kingdom on Sunday evening, reaching 4,220 megawatts (MW). This unparalleled figure surpassed the previous record set earlier this year in February at 4,090 MW. The surge in demand during daylight hours compared to the corresponding period last year exceeded 52%, Ziyad Saaida, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) said on Monday. In order to ensure the preparedness of the electrical system and to assess the measures taken by electricity companies to mitigate the impact of the sweltering heatwave prevailing in the Kingdom, Saaida conducted an inspection of the readiness efforts and operational strategies pertaining to power generation, transmission, system operation, and electricity distribution. This proactive approach aimed to ensure uninterrupted service provision and address any potential challenges arising from the extreme weather conditions. Following field inspections, Saaida stated in a press release that the electrical network experienced minimal and routine faults, which did not disrupt the overall supply to consumers. Any issues that arose were promptly addressed and resolved as swiftly as possible. Furthermore, he highlighted that the preparedness measures implemented prior to the onset of adverse weather conditions greatly enhanced the sector's readiness to handle such situations. Emphasizing the regulatory commission's commitment, Saaida stressed the enduring fulfillment of its supervisory responsibilities towards the electrical system. This dedication is achieved through the continuous monitoring carried out by the operational emergency center, which remains fully functional around-the-clock. Additionally, he indicated that the EMRC will engage the judicial police to oversee the performance of all licensed entities operating within the sector, ensuring their adherence to the service provisions outlined in their licenses. The aim is to address challenges, propose solutions, and ensure the sustained delivery of services while maintaining a positive approach in handling citizen communications and complaints. Any electrical faults that may arise will be promptly addressed and rectified by the relevant electricity companies. Saaida expressed his appreciation for the diligent efforts of the companies operating in the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution sectors, praising their proactive response in maintaining a state of high readiness to effectively handle the prevailing weather conditions while ensuring the security and reliability of electricity supply. He also acknowledged the spirit of cooperation and coordination among these companies, emphasizing that such collaboration serves the best interests of the sector and its subscribers. Moreover, the official emphasized the significance of electricity companies maintaining and intensifying awareness firms regarding the importance of energy conservation. He specifically highlighted the need for these campaigns to be reinforced during the current weather conditions, which often lead to prolonged usage of electrical appliances, noting that extended utilization can result in increased energy consumption and subsequently impact electricity bills. Furthermore, he encouraged citizens to adopt energy-conservation practices and utilize cost-effective cooling methods, urging them to engage with the public service centers of electricity distribution companies and the round-the-clock operational monitoring and emergency center of the regulatory commission to promptly report any potential malfunctions that may arise.
Source: Jordan News Agency