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"Following the heatwave in several provinces, Sonelgaz-Transport of Electricity and Operator of (S-TOS) System recorded Sunday 14 July 2024, at 14:45, a new pic in power demand estimated at 18,732 megawatts, that is a new historic record," the statement said.

The group's spokesman, Khalil Hedna, told APS that the peak, due to the exceptional weather conditions, was contained, adding that power supply was fully guaranteed at the local level without any disruption, including in southern provinces, while maintaining the same level of exports.

He dubbed the record peak a "successful test" for Sonelgaz, which has carried out "significant" investments in support of its electricity production, transport and distribution capacity.

Hedna added that the partial commissioning of Algeria's largest power plant, located in the province of Mostaganem, would likely boost domestic production capacity to 450 megawatts in a first stage, with 51 power transport facilities coming into operation in 2024 and the work progress for 28 others reaching over 80%.

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