Use of thermal solutions

After an apparent pause, load shedding has resumed in Antananarivo and its surrounding areas. Jirama, the national electricity provider, continues to release precise lists of affected regions.

Initially planned for two-hour power outages, the interruptions are lasting longer than expected and are becoming increasingly frequent. Since Sunday, some neighborhoods have been experiencing temporary outages of three hours multiple times throughout the day. Additionally, night outages are adding to the disruption of residents’ daily routines.

According to Jirama, they are facing a dual restriction. The shortage of fuel to run the thermal power plants and the severe drop in hydroelectric dam production. This situation, exacerbated by the prolonged dry season, has led to a significant increase in thermal production, considered essential to maintain a semblance of balance on the grid.

According to official announcements, the outages were scheduled between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, for some neighborhoods, they now start as early as 9 a.m. The periods without electricity vary, with some areas being without power from 9 a.m. to noon, others from noon to 3 p.m., and still others from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or later. In addition to these scheduled outages, there are unexpected power interruptions. The use of thermal solutions, despite their high cost, was recommended by the President of the Republic last October to overcome the challenges related to hydroelectric infrastructure.