Oman bans power and water cuts during exams, holidays and night hours

Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has reiterated that electricity and water services must not be disconnected during certain sensitive periods, including exam seasons, holidays and nighttime hours.

According to APSR, utility disconnections are prohibited between 5pm and 7am, as well as on the last working day before weekends or official holidays.

Additionally, no power or water cuts are allowed during the General Education Diploma (GED) exams and throughout the month of Ramadan, in coordination with education authorities.

These regulations apply to both the electricity and water sectors, ensuring uninterrupted service for residents during crucial times for families and students.

In a move to ease financial pressure on households, Oman has also reduced residential electricity bills for the summer months of May to August 2025, when demand is at its peak.

Eligible residents are encouraged to register for the National Subsidy System, which provides additional support based on income and residency criteria.

The announcement comes amid strong growth in the energy sector. In 2024, Oman’s electricity production rose by 7.5%, reaching 45,388 gigawatt-hours by the end of November. Growth was driven by increased output in North and South Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, and Dhofar.

The electricity and water sectors contributed 2.5% to Oman’s GDP in 2024, with total investments in regulated sectors reaching 2.837 billion Omani riyals from 2020 to 2024. Of this, 450 million riyals were directed toward electricity generation.

Looking ahead, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts Oman’s electricity consumption to grow by around 3% annually over the next three years, while APSR continues to advance renewable energy and infrastructure development.

-- Fahad Al Mukrashi is a freelance journalist based in Muscat