Bahrain’s Power Cuts ‘Near Zero’ : BD200 Million Annual Investment Keeps Grid Fault-Free and Future-Ready

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s electricity network now operates through a high-tech control center linking 10,000 power stations, ensuring one of the lowest outage rates globally. Engineers can track faults in real time and fix them immediately, supported by an annual BD200 million investment in the grid.

A new app, set to launch soon, will allow customers to track service requests without waiting on hold, said Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) President, His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed.

A Smarter, More Reliable Grid

The control center, inaugurated in December 2024 by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, integrates every power station into a single system, providing operators with a comprehensive grid overview.

World Bank data confirms Bahrain as one of the most reliable electricity providers, and the new system is designed to maintain this status. A first-of-its-kind Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation System in Riffa, Umm Al Hassam, and Hidd has been implemented to stabilize the grid as demand grows.

Speaking in a televised interview about the government’s 2023-2026 plans, Ahmed highlighted the electricity and water sector’s role in supporting Bahrain’s urban expansion. With power demand rising, continuous infrastructure upgrades are essential. Annual spending ranges between BD150 million and BD200 million to ensure the system meets the country’s needs.

“This control center is at the heart of it all,” Ahmed said. “We’re talking about 10,000 power stations, 400 distribution substations, and 258 transmission hubs, all linked to a system that enhances response times, reduces outages, and optimizes power management. It’s a major leap forward for Bahrain’s grid, backed by the best technology available.”

Infrastructure Expansion to Support Growth

Ahmed outlined several key projects tied to urban development initiatives, particularly in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

“We’ve completed key substations, including 22kV and 66kV units for housing developments in Khalifa City, Madinat Salman, East Hidd City, and Ramli District,” he said. “All water station projects have also been completed. Additionally, the grid stability system in Riffa, Umm Al Hassam, and Hidd will ensure uninterrupted service as Bahrain’s power demand continues to rise.”

Enhancing Customer Services

The new billing system now handles over 120,000 service requests and 700,000 calls annually. Soon, a new app will enable users to track their requests, significantly reducing complaints and response times.

“We have the largest customer base in Bahrain, and that means ensuring top-tier service,” Ahmed said. “From new connections to power load increases and address changes, we process tens of thousands of requests. To improve efficiency, we’ve upgraded systems and enhanced staff training. It’s not just about keeping the lights on but ensuring that every dinar spent by customers is matched by high-quality service.”

Ahmed emphasized that the upcoming app will provide customers with real-time updates on their requests while helping EWA staff maintain efficient service delivery.