Power grids across the Middle East have faced unprecedented strain this summer, according to new data from the region on September 6.

Iran's electricity demand has surged to unprecedented levels this summer, reaching nearly 80,000 megawatts (MW) and straining the country's power grid, officials said to the semi-official Mehr News Agency.

The Republic’s state-run power company Tavanir reported that on August 8, electricity consumption peaked at 79,872 MW - about 10% higher than the same period last year — while the country and major cities faced increasingly long black and brownouts through the period. At least one weather station in the south of the country on the Gulf reached a heat index of 82.2°C (180°F) and a dew point of 36.1°C (97°F), which, if confirmed, would be the highest such readings ever recorded on Earth.

"The current tariff structure, with heavily subsidised rates for households and industry, means the power sector's income is insufficient for necessary investments", said Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, CEO of Tavanir.

Mashhadi highlighted the rapid growth in air conditioner use as a key factor driving demand. "In the northwest, the percentage of homes with air conditioning has jumped from 2% in 2020 to 10% now", he noted.

Climate change is exacerbating the situation, he admitted, as regional countries continue to face off with worsening conditions, including depleting rainfall year-on-year (y/y).

"For every one degree rise in temperature, electricity consumption increases by 1,800 MW due to increased use of cooling systems", Mashhadi explained.

The power company had forecast demand growth of 3-6% this summer based on historical trends. However, the actual increase has far exceeded even their most pessimistic scenario.

"In just three southern provinces, demand has risen by about 1,000 megawatts - equivalent to the output of the Bushehr nuclear power plant", Mashhadi said. "But we can't build a plant that size in only one year".

Officials say addressing the mismatch between subsidised prices and actual costs, promoting energy efficiency, and controlling high-consumption users are critical to stabilising the grid.

The power shortages come as Iran grapples with economic challenges exacerbated by international sanctions and domestic economic policies.

Further west in Iraq, the country has been urging residents to turn down their air conditioning units with record temperatures recording in Basra and in nearby Kuwait throughout the hot summers.

Iraq has moved to rectify its failing infrastructure with negotiations with French Total for the construction of new power plants adding an extra 1,000 MW to the local grid to offset the increasing demand.

Mahdi Salih Mathkour, director general of the Southern Electricity Production Company, met with TotalEnergies representatives to review preparations for the solar power plant project in Basra's Artawi region, according to a ministry statement.

"The director general urged the implementing company to accelerate the project's execution phases, given the importance of solar energy in diversifying renewable sources", the statement said.

Najaf Electricity Distribution Company earlier in the week called on organisers of Husseini processions to conserve power during the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage by turning off unnecessary appliances and lights.

The appeal comes as local authorities prepare for a surge in electricity demand during one of Shia Islam's largest annual pilgrimages, which sees millions of worshippers converge on the holy city of Najaf.

"We are asking procession organisers to be mindful of their electricity consumption to ensure a continuous power supply for all," a company spokesperson told INA.

Earlier in July, Dubai recorded a "feels like" temperature soaring to 62C (143.6 Fahrenheit), according to US-based weather reports.

While the nominal air temperature in Dubai was less, hitting 43C on July 17, the deadly combination of high humidity and intense air temperature creates a heat index that "feels like" temperature significantly higher than the nominal air temperature.