Record Electricity Demand in Morocco
The recent heatwave that swept through Morocco at the beginning of July has led to a significant surge in electricity demand, primarily driven by the extensive use of air conditioning units and fans. According to reliable sources from Le360, the national electricity system reached an unprecedented level of consumption during this period.
On the evening of July 6, at 9:30 PM, the electricity consumption peaked at an impressive 8.4 gigawatts (GW), marking an increase of approximately 10.8% compared to the same day last year, July 7, 2025. This comparative analysis, which focuses on similar dates within the calendar and same day of the week, takes into account variations related to consumption habits significantly influenced by weekly rhythms, economic activities, and seasonal changes. Notably, the temperature recorded on July 6 was 6 degrees Celsius higher than that of the reference day in 2025.
This consumption level represents an all-time high, surpassing the previous peak recorded on August 13, 2025, which stood at 8 GW. The increase reflects a rise of 5.1% compared to the prior record. The sharp rise in consumption can be attributed mainly to the intensive use of cooling equipment in homes and businesses, a direct consequence of the soaring temperatures. Despite this heightened pressure on the electricity grid, no incidents or restrictions were reported. The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), responsible for ensuring national supply security, successfully mobilized the necessary resources to meet this exceptional demand.
There is a possibility that this peak could be matched or slightly exceeded in the coming weeks if Morocco experiences another heatwave similar to that of early July. It is traditionally observed that consumption peaks occur towards the end of July. In August, demand generally tends to stabilize or even decrease, influenced by the slowdown in industrial activity due to summer vacations. During this period, the focus of consumption shifts to residential uses and the tourism sector, particularly in hospitality.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
