SHANA: Iranian First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref said the government plans to restore 100 million cubic meters (mcm) per day of gas capacity damaged in recent attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure before the start of the cold season, urging people to conserve gas and electricity.
Speaking at a Supreme Energy Council meeting chaired by Aref, officials reviewed proposed gas-consumption management scenarios for households, commercial and public sectors, industries, agriculture, transportation and power plants during the four coldest months of the year. Consumption allocations for each sector were approved. … … …
… … … Higher Costs for Heavy Users
Aref called for greater public cooperation in reducing energy consumption and said that, if necessary, energy consumed by high-income households in the highest consumption brackets, particularly those with swimming pools or villas, could be charged at its full cost.
He said about 250 mcm of gas capacity has been lost from the national network, but the government is working to restore 100 mcm before the beginning of winter. All relevant government agencies are working toward that goal, he said, adding that the president has stressed that electricity and gas supplies to industrial and production units should not be cut.
Aref also said some consumers were willing to pay penalties rather than reduce their consumption, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and a stronger culture of energy conservation.
Government Seeks to Protect Gas Supplies
Aref reiterated that supplying energy to the productive sectors remains a government priority and said maintaining network stability was essential to preventing gas shortages in different parts of the country. “I am concerned about gas supplies being cut in some parts of the country,” he said, adding that government agencies, with public cooperation, would work to prevent such disruptions. He called on the Supreme Energy Council to develop a plan to reduce energy consumption in the household and government sectors.
The government, he said, must also contribute to conservation efforts, including by subsidizing the distribution of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. Aref concluded by urging government ministers and officials to adopt a comprehensive approach to energy management and share responsibility for maintaining network stability and ensuring gas supplies for both productive sectors and households.