Editorial photo #13966841 Social Issue

Blackout Hits Several Regions Across Tunisia Amid Heatwave

Cars pass through a darkened street during a nighttime power outage in Ariana, Tunisia, on July 14, 2026. Several regions of Tunisia are plunged into darkness following a nighttime power outage that occurred during an intense heatwave. Across Tunisia, many people took to social media to express their anger over repeated power outages. Such outages may occur when the power grid comes under heavy demand, particularly during heatwaves when the widespread use of air conditioners causes peaks in electricity consumption. In these situations, the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) may implement controlled power cuts (load shedding) to help maintain the stability of the electrical grid. (Photo by Chedly Ben Ibrahim/NurPhoto)