Ethiopia shuts down factories to avoid blackouts during festivities

11 September, 2008

APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia on Wednesday ordered over 1,000 factories to switch off their electricity supply to avoid blackouts during the celebration of the country New Year which falls on Thursday.

All factories were ordered to stop any manufacturing starting from 12.00 pm on Wednesday to 6.00 am on Thursday.

\"The decision was made taking in to consideration the high demand of electricity in the country for the New Year and to allow people enjoy this New Year celebration without any interruption,\" said the Ethiopian Electric and Power Corporation.

The corporation also asked the public to report immediately any power interruption during the holiday.

Over 1,000 factories, big and small, are reported to have been affected by the closedown.