The Algerian province of Tizi Ouzou is set to expand its natural gas network, with 2,209 households across seven communes to be connected by the end of March. The expansion is part of an ongoing effort to increase access to natural gas in the region. According to the Société de Distribution de Tizi Ouzou (SDC), the new connections will bring the total number of households connected to the natural gas network since 2013 to 139,146.
The SDC has outlined a schedule for the connections, which will be made over four weeks. During the first week of March, 581 households in the localities of Outouba, Thala Mimoun, Azouza, and Tizi, in the communes of Mizrana, LNI, and Azeffoun, will be connected. This will be followed by 420 households in the localities of Aït Si Yahia, Imkacharene, Aït Khelfets, and Thahanoutt, in the communes of Azeffoun and Aït Aissa Mimoun, during the second week.
In the third week, 408 households in the localities of Thakaroucht, Louchatene, and Ilhekmene, in the commune of Draâ El Mizan, will be connected. Finally, during the fourth week, 800 households in the localities of Thaguemount, Aït Ouahmed, Thala Mokrane, Iguer Adloune, Ait Hammi, Ighil Aouene, and Ighil Bouassa, in the communes of Aït Touddert and Mâatkas, will be connected.
The SDC has called on households to complete their internal installations and facilitate the work of the companies involved in the project, to ensure that the connections are made within the scheduled timeframe. The expansion of the natural gas network is part of a broader effort to improve the quality and reliability of energy services in the region.
In addition to the natural gas expansion, the SDC is also investing in the electricity network in Tizi Ouzou. A total of 1.32 billion Algerian dinars will be invested in new projects this year, aimed at improving and reinforcing the electricity network in the province. The projects include the creation of 80 new high-tension/low-tension posts, the rehabilitation and looping of 29 medium-tension lines and 149 low-tension lines, and the installation of 20 power increases, 14 cell replacements, and 4 voltage regulators.
The SDC has reported that some of its projects have been delayed or blocked due to opposition from local residents. At least seven communes are affected, including Azeffoun, Tigzirt, Azazga, Larbâa Nath Irathen, Tizi Ouzou, Ouaguenoun, and Bouzeguène. The SDC has expressed regret that these delays will impact the quality and reliability of energy services in the region.
The SDC is also launching a campaign to promote the rational use of energy, with the aim of encouraging households to reduce their energy consumption. The campaign, which will include door-to-door visits and a caravane, aims to educate households on how to use energy more efficiently and effectively.
Key points
- 2,209 households across seven Algerian communes to be connected to natural gas network by end of March.
- 1.32 billion Algerian dinars to be invested in electricity network projects in Tizi Ouzou this year.
- SDC launches campaign to promote rational use of energy in Tizi Ouzou province.
