Somalia’s BECO expands capacity to keep lights on during Ramadan

Somalia’s leading electricity provider, Benadir Electric Company (BECO), has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering stable and uninterrupted power supply to residents of Mogadishu and surrounding regions as the holy month of Ramadan enters its second week.

The company said it has implemented a comprehensive preparedness plan to meet the surge in electricity demand that typically accompanies the Muslim fasting period, when households, mosques, and businesses rely heavily on power during evening hours.

Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, charity, and family gatherings.

In Somalia, the sacred month also brings significant changes to daily routines, with electricity use peaking during early morning meals before dawn and the evening iftar period when families break their fast.

From preparing suhoor meals to hosting iftar gatherings, households depend on electricity for cooking, lighting, and communication.

Mosques also extend operating hours for nightly prayers, while businesses adjust their schedules to serve customers late into the night.

The shift results in prolonged periods of high electricity consumption, particularly during the evening, making reliable power supply critical for maintaining social, religious, and economic activities.

In response, BECO says it has reinforced its generation capacity and strengthened its distribution infrastructure to ensure consistent electricity throughout Ramadan 2026.

The company has also introduced advanced monitoring systems to detect and address faults quickly, alongside preventive maintenance across transmission and distribution networks.

Technical teams have been strategically deployed across key service areas to respond rapidly to any outages during peak demand periods.

Founded in 2014, BECO has grown to become Somalia’s largest electricity provider, driven by a mission to make energy more affordable and accessible to households and businesses.

Over the years, the company says it has steadily reduced electricity costs through operational efficiencies and targeted investments in infrastructure.

Electricity prices, which stood at about $1.20 per kilowatt-hour when the company began operations, have gradually declined, easing the burden on households and supporting the growth of small enterprises.

For many residents and traders in Mogadishu, the improvements in electricity reliability have become increasingly noticeable, particularly during Ramadan when businesses operate late into the night.

Mogadishu-based trader Mussa Abil welcomed the company’s efforts, noting that dependable power has made it easier for businesses to operate during the holy month.

“Reliable and affordable electricity has helped our businesses run smoothly, especially during Ramadan nights when demand is high. BECO has really improved the situation for traders like us,” said Abil.

Beyond improving affordability and reliability, BECO has also invested in renewable energy initiatives, particularly solar power projects, as part of its long-term sustainability strategy aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The company has also played a role in supporting humanitarian efforts during national crises, including droughts and floods, while ensuring consistent power supply to key health facilities such as De Martino Hospital, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.