Transformer theft, limited supply worsen electricity crisis in al-Hasakah

For more than a year, al-Hasakah city has been experiencing a severe electricity crisis, with power almost completely cut off from most residential neighborhoods and surrounding villages. This comes amid ongoing damage to infrastructure and thefts targeting transformers and power transmission lines.

During the past period, several neighborhoods witnessed a partial restoration of electricity following rehabilitation work on some networks, while other areas remain without power to this day.

In a statement to our agency, the head of al-Hasakah Electricity Center, Engineer Salah Hassan, said that the Interim Government had previously cut electricity to al- Jazira region for two months through the Tabqa Dam power line. He noted that electricity was restored to the area about a month ago following a series of discussions and demands directed to the government.

Hassan added: “al-Jazira region needs approximately 550 megawatts of electricity, while it receives no more than 50 megawatts. Therefore, we continue to operate according to the previous distribution program, allocating power based on priorities and essential services. Service institutions and villages receive electricity under a rationing system of two hours, while some neighborhoods in al-Hasakah city also receive electricity through networks connected to rural villages.”

He explained that the Electricity Directorate is currently working to rehabilitate networks damaged by daily thefts. More than 30 electrical transformers have been stolen, in addition to the vandalism of networks and the theft of high-voltage cables.

Hassan confirmed that maintenance teams are working continuously to restore electricity to the city. He stated that the Electricity Directorate is capable of bringing one complete power line back into service each week. Each line includes approximately 15 electrical transformers. He added that part of this work has already been completed, while efforts continue to finish the remaining sections.

He also noted that the Directorate sometimes energizes certain networks without connecting loads to them, as a measure to protect the lines from theft and prevent further vandalism.

Hassan pointed out that communication with the Ministry of Energy has not yet resulted in any significant changes. He stressed that the region requires extensive rehabilitation of its electrical infrastructure, especially since the current line is the only source supplying electricity to the area.

He further revealed plans to import electricity into the region from the Al-Taym power station in Deir ez-Zor, as well as through another line from the Al-Mabrouka station, which is supplied by the Tishreen Dam. Rehabilitating the Al-Mabrouka station network could provide an additional 50 megawatts of electricity.

In conclusion, Hassan emphasized that restoring and rehabilitating the electrical networks and ensuring a stable power supply to the region will require major efforts that could take several months. He added that these projects are still in the planning and coordination stage with the Ministry of Energy.

ANHA