Turin Struggles with Power Outages Amid Intense European Heatwave
Turin, Italy faces repeated power blackouts caused by a European heatwave, stressing the local electricity network. Mayor Lo Russo highlights the need for investment in infrastructure, as utility company Iren works on upgrading the grid with a €515 million plan. High temperatures exacerbate the city's energy challenges.
Turin, a city in northwestern Italy, is grappling with persistent power blackouts as a severe European heatwave puts significant pressure on the local electricity network. These outages have stretched across multiple districts, significantly affecting daily life by causing road disruptions due to non-functional traffic lights.
Mayor Stefano Lo Russo pointed out the urgent need for investment and maintenance of the local grid to manage the ongoing crisis effectively. Local utility company Iren, providing electricity services to over 650,000 customers, explained the early onset of the heatwave has exacerbated the issue, adding thermal stress to cables.
Iren has initiated a €515 million modernisation plan for Turin's network aimed at implementation by 2030. However, rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwaves complicate plans. The city has opened air-conditioned public spaces to help residents cope as temperatures reached 32°C (89.6°F).
(With inputs from agencies.)
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