Egypt has been working to diversify its sources of electricity, building wind, solar and nuclear plants, in addition to boosting traditional oil and gas-fired energy production in a bid to end chronic power shortages. The push comes after the country experienced crippling blackouts during the summer of 2014. As temperature soared, so did the tempers of Egyptians. The year before, anger over power cuts had fueled demonstrations that led to the fall of the Muslim Brotherhood government and the ouster of the late President Mohamed Morsi. Today, as in years past, many Egyptians blame corruption for the decrepit state of Egypt’s power grid and many welcome the government’s efforts to modernize it.
A Glimpse of How Cairo's Residents Cope with Power Shortages
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Getting ready for a street wedding, a worker in a Cairo neighborhood hangs a string of lights that is hooked up to overhead power lines. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Nightlife is the only life for Cairo residents during the summer when the heat means staying indoors during the day and going out only after the sun starts to set. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Power outages sometimes bring trains to a standstill, causing passengers to force open train doors and walk along the rails to the next station. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Residents connected to this electric box in Cairo steal an electricity by stripping wires and bypassing meters. (H. Elrasam/VOA)