The State Electric Company (STELCO) has taken a significant step to meet rising electricity demands in Hulhumalé by commissioning a new backup powerhouse ahead of the peak consumption season.
Named as the Hulhumalé Annex 2 Powerhouse, the facility was developed in record time. Spanning a 48,000-square-foot plot, the powerhouse is set to reinforce Hulhumalé's energy capacity, anticipating increased usage following Ramadan.
STELCO celebrated the milestone with an inauguration ceremony attended by Managing Director Hussain Fahmy. During his address, Fahmy commended the extraordinary commitment of the company's staff, highlighting their ability to deliver results under challenging time constraints.
This year, electricity consumption during Ramadan is expected to remain stable, according to Fahmy, a break from historical trends. He attributed this stability to a directive by President Dr Muizzu to close government offices during the final ten days of Ramadan, a period that aligns with school holidays.
Despite the steadiness during Ramadan, Fahmy highlighted the challenges ahead. He warned that electricity demand is projected to rise sharply in the post-Ramadan period, driven by the onset of hot weather. To address this, Fahmy assured that STELCO is fully prepared to maintain an uninterrupted power supply during this critical time.
The Hulhumalé Annex 2 Powerhouse is equipped with 12 generator sets, each capable of producing 1.6 megawatts. Seven of these generators are already operational, while the remaining five are scheduled to be activated during Ramadan.
Once fully functional, STELCO has said, the facility will enhance Hulhumalé’s energy infrastructure with a total installed capacity of 19.2 megawatts. While capacity-related outages are not anticipated, Fahmy urged residents to remain mindful of potential technical disruptions.