IEC declares 'Orange Alert'; reserves stabilized
Israel Electric Corp warns record-breaking power consumption due to heat wave has seriously dented production capabilities; warns blackouts inevitable
Israel Electric Corp (IEC) declared an "Orange Alert" on Monday following record-breaking power consumption due to the heat wave Israel is experiencing.
The company said electricity production was nearing its maximum ability and that reserves were down to 340 megawatts, due in part to a technical problem at the Gezer power plant. Once the problem was fixed, the plant resumed production and the IEC announced that the country's electricity reserves were at a level designated "stable."
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Should any of the production facilities max out and be forced to shut down, ICE said it will have to initiate periodic blackouts across Israel.
IEC is nearing maxium production, with reserves low (Photo: George Ginsberg)
The company predicts a record 11,250 megawatts consumption at high noon, with production capabilities only at 11,590 megawatts.
The company reiterated its request that the public make "skilled use of power and follow ICE announcement."
ICE's consumer directives include a recommendation to refrain from using "power guzzling" appliances such as ovens, washing machines, etc.
