Tunisia power cuts: air conditioners blamed as network management faces criticism

This statement, relayed by Agence TAP on Friday, July 17, comes as public criticism focuses on the management of the national electricity grid. The timing of the declaration is notable, as power outages have increased across the country, with temperatures exceeding 45°C in some areas. Residents are experiencing repeated interruptions, affecting air conditioning, refrigeration, and sometimes even drinking water.

Critics point to a lack of investment and anticipation for recurrent consumption peaks. Abdelkader Baccouche, director of energy efficiency in the building sector at ANME, presented data showing air conditioners are now the second-largest electricity consumer in households, up from third place in 2019. Approximately one million new air conditioners have been installed in five years, bringing the national total to nearly 2.7 million units, with over half of Tunisian households owning at least one.

ANME estimates these appliances account for about 18% of residential electricity consumption and roughly 50% of peak summer demand. The peak electricity consumption reached 4.8 gigawatts in July 2024. Refrigerators remain the most energy-intensive appliances, accounting for an estimated 36% of consumption.

While these figures illustrate the growing impact of air conditioning, they do