Iran Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission Company (Tavanir) is importing at least 700 megawatts of electricity per day from neighboring states, including Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia, to meet the growing electricity demand.
Mostafa Rajabi-Mashhadi, the head of Iran Grid Management Company, an Energy Ministry subsidiary, noted that daily import has increased since the beginning of June and is three times more compared to that of previous months when the figure was barely 200 MW, Barq News website reported.
“Power demand peaked at 64,000 MW on June 24, up 5% compared with the same day of 2021, and it is expected to reach 71 gigawatts in July, up 6% compared to a year ago,” he said.
“On the other hand, power exports to Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reduced and reached less than 400 MW in the 25-day period.”
To cope with growing domestic demand, which has soared to record-high levels in recent days (64 GW), Tavanir has reduced power export from around 2,000 MW to 400 MW during peak hours, 1-5 p.m.
"If necessary, we will totally halt exports in the scorching days of summer," he said.
Iran's installed electricity capacity is currently around 85,000 MW.
Giving a breakdown on power consumption, the official noted that industries, households, agro sector and commercial units constitute 38%, 32%, 18% and 7% of the total electricity use in Iran respectively.
Public places like parks, walkways and bus stations account for the rest.
“Consumption has reduced by at least 5,000 megawatts [during peak hours], as industries and farmers uphold their commitment with Tavanir,” he said.