Public Offices Closed on Thursdays Amid Power Shortage

The Cabinet decided on Wednesday that all government offices and organizations be closed on Thursdays until Aug. 22 due to power shortage and the need to supply electricity to essential sectors such as households.
In Iran, Friday is a public holiday and most offices are only closed on that day.
The country has been experiencing blackouts in recent days, as electricity consumption has reached unprecedented levels amid high temperatures nationwide, IRNA reported.
Iran Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission Company (Tavanir) on Tuesday ordered steel and cement production factories to reduce electricity consumption by 10%, otherwise their electricity will be cut. 
"The measure is in line with plans to alleviate the worsening power shortages facing the country … Steel and cement producers are urged to halt their activities for 2-3 weeks and use the time for the repair and maintenance of equipment," Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, Tavanir's spokesman, was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.