Tunisia Struggles with Power Outages Amidst Heatwave
The summer season is in full swing, and Tunisians have been living with frequent announcements of temperature peaks and repeated power outages for several weeks.
Impact on Industrial Zones and Businesses
Industrial zones and businesses are particularly affected by this phenomenon, which has a direct impact on their activity and profitability. Small and medium-sized industries, the backbone of our economy, are highly exposed to the malfunctions of the Tunisian power grid. The Union of Small and Medium-Sized Industries (UPMI) expressed its deep concerns about the repercussions of this situation on Thursday, July 16th.
Consequences of Power Outages
The interruptions to the power supply can be very constraining for the affected businesses, resulting in:
- Production line shutdowns
- Low productivity
- Damage to machines and equipment The consequences of these interruptions can be severe and, in some cases, irreparable.
Loss of Customer Confidence
In addition to the real and tangible impact on business activity, the UPMI highlights the consequences of this situation on customer confidence. Often international, these customers do not take into account the constraints faced by Tunisian businesses.
Calls for Greater Transparency
The UPMI welcomed the efforts of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) while demanding more clarity on the frequency and location of power outages. To maintain their production schedule and preserve their competitiveness, businesses need to be informed in advance to better anticipate the situation.
Proposal for a National Index
Another demand from the UPMI is the creation of a "national index of the economic cost of power outages" in partnership with relevant public agencies, research centers, and universities. The idea is to quantify the real cost of power outages on businesses based on recognized international standards that are clear and transparent. The goal is to integrate the results of this index into planning and decision-making tools later on. According to the UPMI, these power outages should become a central element in evaluating public energy policies.
Conclusion
The UPMI's concerns and proposals aim to mitigate the effects of power outages on Tunisian businesses and promote a more reliable and efficient energy supply. By addressing these issues, Tunisia can work towards creating a more favorable business environment and promoting economic growth.
