Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younis has warned of the consequences of continued increase in power consumption and urged citizens to rationalize energy use.

"Air conditioners consume around 12 percent of the maximum productive capacity of power stations, according to the latest statistics," said Younis. He also pointed out that the number of air conditioners used has risen from 700,000 in 2006 to 3 million in 2010.

Younis called on Egyptians to moderate their use of high-energy usage appliances, especially at peak hours. He added that consumption "is rising at alarming rates and this is a catastrophe."

According to Younis, The National Energy Control Center recorded on Monday an unprecedented level of power consumption of 22700 MW.

Younis said that consumption this year has grown by 2600 MW--a 13.5 percent increase from last year's rate. This increase is equivalent to the generation capacity of power stations worth LE20 billion.

Younis added that the increase is mostly during peak hours of consumption, which are two to three hours of the day.

Translated from the Arabic Edition.

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