Securing the Grid: A Proactive Plan to Ensure Stable Electricity This Winter
In a comprehensive briefing, Ismail Hosseini, the Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Energy Commission, has detailed the coordinated government and parliamentary strategy to maintain a stable electricity supply throughout the upcoming winter, emphasizing that public cooperation in managing consumption is the linchpin of the plan.
A Dual-Fuel Strategy for Energy Security
The core of the plan hinges on a flexible fuel strategy for the nation’s power plants. Hosseini explained that over 80% of Iran’s power plants are thermal, meaning they primarily run on natural gas. However, during the winter months, a significant surge in gas consumption by households and commercial sectors inevitably reduces the supply available to power generation.
“In such a scenario,” Hosseini stated, “the shortfall in gas supply to power plants is compensated for by using liquid fuels, specifically gas oil and fuel oil.” This dual-fuel capability is the first line of defense against potential blackouts.
Strategic Reserves and Coordinated Action
A key achievement highlighted by the Energy Commission Spokesperson is the significant bolstering of the country’s liquid fuel reserves. “The Ministry of Oil has stored liquid fuel, gas oil, and fuel oil to the greatest possible extent, and the current state of reserves is favorable and good,” Hosseini confirmed. He attributed this improved preparedness to the proactive follow-ups by the Parliament’s Energy Commission, noting that reserves have seen a marked increase compared to the previous year.
The plan involves a carefully managed drawdown of these reserves. “As the cold weather begins and gas consumption rises, leading to reduced gas delivery to power plants, these reserves will be used according to the established schedule,” he elaborated.
The Critical Role of Public Cooperation
While the government has taken steps to secure fuel supplies, Hosseini underscored that the plan’s ultimate success depends on national responsibility. “The main priority is supplying gas to the household and commercial sectors,” he said. However, he issued a clear warning: “If gas consumption in these sectors increases excessively, the share allocated to power plants will be reduced, and electricity production will face problems.”
He made a direct appeal to citizens, stating, “Therefore, the people must also play their part and minimize their domestic gas consumption in winter so that the country does not face power outages.” This shared responsibility between the state and the public is presented as the fundamental requirement for a winter without blackouts.
A Confident Outlook, Contingent on Fuel Supply
Expressing confidence in the nation’s infrastructure, Hosseini affirmed that Iran’s power plant capacity is in a good state and the facilities are ready for winter operations. The final hurdle, he clarified, is logistical. “If fuel for the power plants is supplied, we should not have blackouts this winter,” he concluded, firmly placing the onus for continuous fuel delivery on the Ministry of Oil. The coordinated plan, backed by strategic reserves and a call for public partnership, aims to navigate the seasonal energy pressures and keep the lights on.