Power stays on during hot summer in Sharjah

SHARJAH // The electricity grid is coping with high demand this summer and residents report no major cuts to supply so far.

In previous years, people in Sharjah experienced many power cuts in the hotter months, affecting lighting and air conditioning. However, this year only one major cut was reported, in June in the Muleihah area.

Dr Rashid Alleem, director of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) said every city suffered from power cuts once in a while. “What is important is how fast the authority fixes the problem,” he said.

This year Sewa replaced generators at Al Nasserya, Maysalon, Al Sabkha and Al Ghafia, while electricity pylons were removed in Al Musala and Al Nabaa and the cables placed underground.

“Putting electricity cables underground resolves problems caused by hot and humid weather, as well as limiting damage to lines from road accidents,” Mr Alleem said.

Zeyad Yousef, 52, who lives in Al Qasimiya, said his home went without power for a short time last year.

“My family and I dread the thought of a power cut,” the father-of-five said. “Last year we had one for a few hours, which was really bad. This year it was a good summer.”

Eyad Saadeh, a resident of Al Nasserya, has no complaints this year. “Me and my wife usually escape the country in July or August, however, this year we couldn’t but our summer has been fine so far,” said the 29-year-old Palestinian.

Dr Alleem said that was down to a “drastic improvement in the stability and performance of the grid”.