For the past two years, Egyptians have faced electricity shortages resulting in rolling blackouts across the country. While this has been hard on households, the power outages have also been detrimental to industry, which is operating at only 60 to 70 percent of capacity, constraining an already weakened economy. The issue is not the supply–Egypt's electricity consumption is only about half of what its megawatt capacity can produce–but rather, obtaining sufficient inputs. Electricity is generated mostly by using oil and gas, and depleted foreign reserves mean that the country is having difficulty paying for them.
 
This timely event will explore these issues, what effect these pressures might have on the economy and  political stability and how al-Sisi and his government can mitigate the looming crisis. Cairo University Professor Mohamed Elsobki will speak on the roots of the shortages and possible means of mitigation, Hariri Center Senior Fellow Mohsin Khan will speak on the economic implications and Center for American Progress Research Associate Mokhtar Awad will examine possible effects on political security. Mirette F. Mabrouk, deputy director of the Hariri Center will moderate. Originally a two panel event, this has been consolidated into a one panel discussion.