Ethiopia Rations Power As Dam Levels Dip

Ethiopia has begun power-rationing measures, including a reduction in exports, in light of lower water levels at the country’s major Gilgel Gibe III Dam.

Under the plans rationing will take place between May 9 and July, when levels are expected to normalise. The shortfall is significant, with peak demand reaching 2.500MW but supply limited to 1,400MW. 

The process is being managed by a committee drawn from the Ethiopian Electric Power, Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), the Ministry of Water, Irrigation & Electricity and the National Meteorology Agency. The committee is tasked with normalising levels over a 45 day period and identifying which power consuming industries require priority during this period.

Among those to face restrictions will be cement factories, metal and medium industries, and grind mills. Those exempted from the rationing include pharmaceutical manufacturers, food processors, major exporting factories, and government social services.

The impact will also be felt in Sudan and Djibouti, which import power from Ethiopia. Sudan’s 10 per cent supply will be halted, whereas exports to Djibouti will be halved during the rationing period.