Return of Organized Blackouts in Iran

The deputy of Tavanir Company, contrary to the previous claims of the government regarding electricity supply in Iran and the emphasis of the Islamic Consultative Assembly on the necessity of providing electricity for the household sector, announced the start of organized blackouts from Saturday, December 15. Mohsen Zabihih cited the reasons for this action as 'a sharp increase in energy consumption' and 'preventing serious challenges', stating: 'Currently, the drop in temperature in most parts of the country and the continuation of cold weather have led to an increase in household gas consumption, and the lack of sufficient fuel delivery to power plants is another factor limiting electricity supply to residential customers.' Iranian media also reported that after the gas supply was cut to over 53,000 garden villas by the National Gas Company, Tavanir has begun monitoring and cutting electricity to these villas as well. Meanwhile, the secretary of the Association of Power Plants told ILNA that 'if fuel is not provided, we may face electricity supply limitations in winter as well.' Abbas Karimi identified the main reason for the power cuts as the lack of liquid fuel and the reduction of gas supplied to power plants. The frequent and prolonged power outages in various cities of Iran, which officials of the Islamic Republic previously referred to as 'planned blackouts', have disrupted the normal lives of citizens. In addition to reports from informed sources at VOA, numerous personal accounts about the situation have been shared on social media. An eyewitness from Tehran told VOA on Thursday, December 14, that besides the closure of schools and government offices 'under the pretext of air pollution', work in private offices and companies has also faced numerous problems, and 'the issue is not just air pollution.' According to this informed source, 'the frequent power cuts at various times of the day have harmed businesses,' and 'with internet outages due to power cuts, working from home is not possible for employees under these conditions.' This source also pointed to 'water cuts due to pump failures resulting from power outages in apartment units' and stated that government officials 'reduce the pressure of daily problems from themselves by closing kindergartens and schools and place it on the shoulders of working mothers and fathers.' The Associated Press also reported on Friday, December 15, that the ongoing power cuts in Iran in recent months have 'disrupted the lives and businesses of people.' The news agency noted that while various factors such as mismanagement, reduced energy reserves, ongoing drought, budget deficits, and sanctions due to the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities likely play a role in the power outages, some speculate that cryptocurrency mining may also be involved.