Kuwait Mosques Reduce Electricity Use Amid High Demand
The guidelines include specific instructions for imams, such as shortening the interval between the call to prayer and the start of prayer, and reducing the duration of prayers themselves. Air conditioning use will be limited, with temperatures set to 22°C for Friday prayers and 25°C for daily prayers, to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable environment for worshippers.
Kuwait's Ministry of Awqaf has introduced new guidelines for mosques to conserve energy, with daily prayers to be held in outdoor courtyards instead of indoor halls and limited air conditioning use.
The measures aim to reduce electricity consumption amid rising demand, with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy requesting lower electricity usage. Mosques will now hold daily prayers in outdoor courtyards, with indoor prayer halls only open for Friday prayers and air conditioning set to 22°C. Women's prayer sections will be closed, except in mosques where religious lectures are held.
Imams have been instructed to shorten prayer times and reduce energy use, with scheduled power cuts to occur after Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The power cut schedule includes blackouts from 30 minutes after the Dhuhr prayer until 15 minutes before the Asr prayer, and another from 30 minutes after the Asr prayer until 5 p.m. These measures are intended to help reduce the strain on Kuwait's electricity grid during periods of high demand.
The new guidelines demonstrate Kuwait's efforts to manage its energy resources efficiently and promote conservation, particularly in public institutions like mosques. By implementing these measures, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs aims to contribute to the country's overall energy-saving goals while still accommodating the religious needs of its population.