The extreme weather conditions sweeping across the country have had a direct impact on electricity consumption. Power distribution grids are being pushed to their absolute limits, triggering service disruptions and voltage fluctuations. This scenario frequently takes a toll on household electrical and electronic devices, which occasionally suffer severe damage. In response, Sonelgaz reassures affected consumers that financial compensation is available.
The intense heatwave battering the nation, with temperatures nearing or climbing past 48°C across multiple provinces, has driven a massive surge in power demand, creating heavy strain on the electrical grid. Outages and voltage instability are being reported across various regions. Voltage surges, under-voltage drops, and repeated micro-outages are directly impacting household appliances, causing significant financial losses for residents. Sonelgaz is addressing these issues by enacting a structured compensation framework.
How does the reimbursement process work, and what steps should citizens take? Once damage is identified, the customer has a one-week window to visit the local branch office in their residential area to report appliances damaged by power fluctuations, explained Wednesday the Distribution Director for Bologhine in Algiers, Mansour Said. He noted that the customer is assisted by a legal representative, and their claim is immediately logged onto the “Taawidh” digital platform, which links directly to the insurance carrier. “Both entities, Sonelgaz Distribution and the insurance underwriters, are connected through this application. The entry of claim data and supporting documents is managed entirely through this portal,” he detailed during a national radio broadcast.
While many attribute these power supply disruptions strictly to intense heat, they are equally driven by heavy consumption from widespread air conditioning usage. Although air conditioning remains essential under current conditions, it should be operated mindfully. Public calls to optimize power usage are multiplying, recommending that thermostats be set to 25°C. Equipment selection also plays a crucial role. High-efficiency air conditioners capable of intelligently regulating compressor output—a key feature of “Inverter” technology—are strongly encouraged. Citizens are urged to upgrade their units to lower power consumption by up to 40% compared to conventional models. A state-funded financial assistance mechanism has been rolled out under the National Energy Efficiency Program to assist households eager to swap out old, energy-draining appliances.
According to the Director of Information and Communication at the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, the ministry introduced a new subsidy program targeting high-efficiency air conditioner purchases. This initiative enables citizens to access a financial grant of up to 50,000 DZD when replacing outdated, high-consumption units with new, eco-friendly models, including locally manufactured equipment.