The Gaza Strip has been left almost completely without power, after the only working power station there was hit yesterday. The sole source still supplying electricity to Gaza is Egypt through power lines at Rafiah with a 30 megawatt capacity.
The Gaza Strip ordinarily consumes up to 350 megawatts of power, based on regular supply to its 1.8 million residents for eight hours a day. The eight million residents of Israel and the Palestinian Authority consume 11,000 megawatts at peak consumption.
Israel ordinarily supplies electricity to the Gaza Strip through 10 high-tension lines, but Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) (TASE: ELEC.B22) has halted any repairs of power lines damaged in the fighting at the orders of the prime minister and minister of national infrastructures. All the power lines to the Gaza Strip have been put out of action in recent days.
The Gaza Strip's main source of electricity, located south of Gaza city, has a capacity of 140 megawatts. This plant has been shut down since yesterday, after its diesel tanks were hit. Reports from the Gaza Strip indicate that the plant's turbines were also hit, meaning that it will take a long time to put it back in action. German company Siemens is responsible for maintaining the Gazan power plant.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 30, 2014
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