Consuming energy wisely and eliminating waste forms the core philosophy of the national energy rationalization campaign launched by the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies. The initiative aims to preserve national energy assets and safeguard the stability of the electrical grid, particularly during the summer season when power demand experiences a massive surge. Citizens are urged to become active participants rather than passive consumers or mere clients of Sonelgaz, which has recently bolstered its output capabilities by over 1,850 additional megawatts to manage summer peaks.
Operating under the banner “Rationalizing our energy… a guarantee for our future,” the nationwide public awareness drive was introduced on Wednesday during a convention chaired by Energy and Renewable Energies Minister Mourad Adjal. The event brought together the Electricity and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG), consumer advocacy groups, and various institutions operating within the energy sector.
In his address, the minister emphasized the structural steps implemented by the state via the energy sector to scale up production, transmission, and distribution networks. These measures ensure continuous utility service and satisfy skyrocketing demand during the summer months, a period typically defined by a sharp spike in power usage.
The minister pointed out that “the success of these initiatives remains deeply tied to civic cooperation in curbing energy use, given that the efficient utilization of electricity is a fundamental factor in balancing supply and demand while ensuring service reliability and quality for the entire population.”
For her part, CREG President Baya Chekired underscored the significance of the assembly, which also featured participation from Sonelgaz-Distribution and the National Agency for the Promotion and Rationalization of Energy Use (Aprue). She noted that the event offered a prime opportunity to “amplifying educational efforts surrounding wise energy habits and embedding a culture of energy efficiency.”
She further highlighted the critical role of consumer protection organizations, pointing to their unique ability to spread awareness and deliver essential information directly to households.
This nationwide campaign fits into a broader state framework designed to foster responsible energy consumption, optimize efficiency, and strengthen national energy security during peak summer intervals when demand intensifies drastically.
According to the Energy Department, the initiative intends to cultivate a mindset of responsible power usage across all societal segments. It encourages simple yet highly effective behavioral adjustments that protect national resources and maintain seamless electricity distribution under optimal conditions.
The 2026 campaign places a strong emphasis on individual consumer habits. Key recommendations include the moderate deployment of air conditioning systems by setting them to sustainable temperatures, smart management of home lighting, and purchasing high-efficiency electrical appliances.
Relying on collective civic participation to ensure the campaign’s success, the Ministry of Energy has called upon citizens, commercial operators, and various state entities to actively engage with the national movement.
Sonelgaz Fully Mobilized
The state-owned utility group Sonelgaz is actively preparing to meet heavy seasonal demand by expanding its operational capacity. Reaffirming its commitment to high-quality public service, the corporation has integrated more than 1,850 megawatts of supplementary capacity into the grid ahead of summer to buffer against usage peaks, according to Sonelgaz Communications Director Fatima Zohra Merzougui.
Presenting an overview during a seminar focused on energy rationalization within public administrations, she explained that peak electricity demand during the upcoming summer is projected to hit 21,350 MW under standard seasonal temperatures, and could surge to 22,150 MW during extreme heatwaves. These figures represent annual growth rates of 3.5% and 7%, respectively.
To handle this rising consumption, the utility group executed proactive strategies to elevate production by a total of 1,855.9 MW, with 1,027 MW sourced from renewable energy alternatives. She also noted the development of 58 power transmission projects, 23 of which have already been brought online.
The acting Director General of Sonelgaz, Abdelhamid Rais, affirmed that the 2026 conservation campaign will help avert power outages and grid degradation by reducing consumption across government facilities and residential homes. He reassured the public utility’s customers that consistent, uninterrupted service would be maintained even during maximum load periods.