Gabon’s main electrical utility, the Water and Energy Company of Gabon (SEEG), announced on Wednesday that it will implement scheduled power outages in the capital, Libreville, due to low water levels at its hydroelectric plants. The company is also facing equipment problems at two thermal power plants, further exacerbating the situation.
SEEG described the current situation as “an energy crisis without precedent.” To manage the crisis, starting September 4, the utility will shift from random power cuts to a structured plan of “rotating load shedding” that will last around three hours, two to three times daily. This measure aims to prevent a complete collapse of the electricity network.
The challenges stem from low reservoir levels at the Kinguele-Tchimbele dam, which supplies half of Libreville’s electricity. This issue was flagged at the end of the rainy season in June. Additionally, infrastructure problems at the thermal power plants that provide the other half of the city’s power are worsening the situation.
Local media reports suggest that SEEG owes 15 billion CFA francs (about $25 million) to Aggreko, a British company involved in plant operations, which has threatened to halt its services due to the unpaid debt.