Residents of Yesod HaMaala Outraged Over Planned Seven-Hour Power Outage During Heatwave

Residents of Yesod HaMaala expressed strong frustration over a planned seven-hour power outage scheduled for Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, during a severe heatwave. The Israeli Electric Corporation announced the outage would be necessary for tree trimming and maintenance work near power lines. Locals criticized the timing, highlighting the risk to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the sick who would be left without air conditioning during peak heat hours.

Residents claimed their requests to postpone or split the maintenance work over several days were ignored. They argued that the vegetation could have been trimmed earlier to avoid such a prolonged outage and questioned why the work was scheduled on a hot day in a conflict-line community. Some compared the situation to Tel Aviv, questioning if such an outage would be allowed there under similar conditions.

The Electric Corporation responded that the work was urgent due to significant safety risks, including sparks and hazards that could not be delayed. They also clarified that the outage would likely last about four hours, shorter than the initially announced seven hours, as assured by the regional manager during discussions with residents.