Government Warning of Gas Cuts This Winter and Electricity Cuts Next Summer

First Vice President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that there will be a gas imbalance this winter and an electricity imbalance next summer; statements that experts view as a warning from the government regarding potential gas cuts this winter and electricity cuts next summer. Some analysts also believe that this winter will experience simultaneous cuts in both electricity and gas across the country. Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized, 'It is already clear that we will face a gas imbalance this winter. After that, we will have an electricity imbalance in the summer.' Aref also stated that the government is incapable of solving economic crises and mentioned that if we want to resolve the numerous problems and imbalances in the country solely through the government, we will not be very successful. The electricity imbalance this year has led to power cuts for industries since June, with blackouts extending to the residential sector from July, which ultimately resulted in a reduction in the severity of blackouts in households, while industrial power cuts continue for three days a week. Experts believe that the lack of a plan and behavior outside of economic frameworks in developmental issues is the main cause of the energy imbalance and argue that with this style of governance, there is little hope for improvement. The cuts in electricity and gas, along with traffic problems, have soured the enjoyment of snowfall in many cities in Iran. Given the 50% increase in 'technical imbalance' of electricity, experts consider the long-term solution to be 'attracting foreign and private investment.' Production of listed companies has dropped by up to 70% due to the electricity supply crisis. The continuation of the energy crisis in Iran has led to power cuts for production units and residential customers in Lorestan and Semnan. An energy expert predicts 'rationing' of gas, electricity, and gasoline in 'the coming years.'