Algeria has set a new record for electricity demand as a brutal heat wave drives power use to unprecedented levels. The surge comes amid extreme temperatures approaching 49°C (120°F) and ongoing wildfires in several regions.
Record-breaking demand
On Monday, July 13, the state-owned utility Sonelgaz reported peak electricity demand of 21,378 megawatts at around 3:30 p.m. local time. The day before, demand had already jumped to 21,176 megawatts, underlining how quickly power use has climbed during the current heat wave.
Sonelgaz said multiple provinces are experiencing unusually high temperatures and humidity, pushing households and businesses to rely heavily on air conditioning. The company noted that this is the second major demand spike of the summer, reflecting a steady upward trend in electricity consumption during extreme weather.
Rising load year after year
The latest peak continues a pattern of year-on-year growth in Algeria’s summer power demand. In 2025, the country’s previous record stood at 20,628 megawatts, compared with 19,543 megawatts in 2024, 18,476 megawatts in 2023, and 16,666 megawatts in 2022.
That progression shows how rapidly stress on the grid is increasing, particularly during heat waves. Each summer, higher temperatures and wider air-conditioner use are pushing the system closer to its limits.
Heat wave and wildfires
This new record comes as large parts of Algeria endure a fresh bout of extreme heat that began Sunday, with some areas forecasting highs near 49°C. At the same time, wildfires are burning through forests in several regions, adding another layer of strain to emergency services and infrastructure.
The combination of scorching temperatures, high humidity, and fires has made reliable electricity supply even more critical—for cooling, water pumping, communications, and firefighting operations.
In response, the Ministry of Energy has launched a public awareness campaign focused on air-conditioner use during peak heat. The guidance urges consumers to set indoor temperatures between 24°C and 26°C (roughly 75–79°F) rather than much lower settings that drive up demand.
Authorities are also advising people to install units properly, in locations that are suitable and not exposed to direct sunlight, to improve efficiency and reduce the load on the grid. The goal is to temper demand enough to help maintain system stability while the country rides out the current heat wave and wildfire season.
