Planned power cuts roll out across Iran; Tavanir reports a 4,200 MW drop in grid capacity

Iran's state power company Tavanir has begun a nationwide program of "planned power outages," with electricity restrictions in force in Tehran since July 15. Tavanir officials say rationing schedules are announced 48 hours in advance.

Tavanir has reported that the country's grid capacity fell by about 4,200 megawatts after recent strikes, with more than 2,000 points in the power infrastructure damaged. The company estimates the financial damage to the electricity industry has exceeded 60 trillion tomans (close to one billion dollars at the free-market rate). Restrictions on industrial power use have also widened and could weigh on output and employment.

Beyond the war damage, Iran's power industry has faced a structural crisis for years: underinvestment, ageing facilities and gas shortages, alongside intense summer heat and rising demand, fuel widespread outages every year.