Latest news with #ÉlectricitéduLiban
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Generator rates see a slight decrease in April
A very slight decrease has been noted in the price of the kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced and sold by private or neighborhood electric generators for bills issued in April 2025, according to the latest tariff schedule published Wednesday by the Ministry of Energy and Water. The kWh price is set at LL 28,591 (approximately $0.32). It is known that the kWh price is always increased by 10 percent for operators in mountainous (more than 700 meters above sea level) and/or rural areas, bringing it to LL 31,451 (nearly $0.35), compared to LL 32,972 the previous month. To calculate their bill, each subscriber must multiply the fixed price by the number of kWh corresponding to their consumption, recorded on an individual meter that the operator is supposed to have installed. The adopted dollar exchange rate is the market rate, which is LL 89,700 for a dollar bill. The average fuel oil price taken into account for this tariff calculation is LL 1,305,617 for 20 liters (a decrease compared to the LL 1,338,852 used for March bills). The other components of the pricing, which include a 10 percent margin, remain unchanged. Regarding fixed fees, for a maximum intensity of 5 amperes (A), the monthly flat rate is still LL 385,000 ($4.29), while that for an intensity of 10 A is LL 685,000 ($7.64). The ministry also imposes an additional charge of LL 300,000 ($3.34) for each additional 5 A from 10 A onwards. For installations connected to a three-phase meter (like elevators), an additional flat rate is calculated based on a reference capacity. For an elevator powered by three phases that can support 15 A each, the generator owner should only charge LL 985,000 ($10.98) and not LL 2,785,000 ($31.05). Private generators have been tolerated for decades, during which they have established themselves as a remedy to the structural production shortfall of Électricité du Liban (EDL). The obligation for generator owners to install an individual meter at each of their subscribers' premises came into effect in 2017, but not everyone complies.
LBCI
27-02-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's unpaid electricity debt: Will Lebanon finally honor its fuel agreement with Iraq?
Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Iraq has proven to be more lenient toward Lebanon than its own officials. Despite Lebanon owing nearly $1 billion for fuel that helped operate its power plants, it has failed to pay Iraq for three years. In contrast, Baghdad has been patient and extended the contract for a fourth year. Under the terms of the deal, Lebanon was supposed to compensate Iraq with goods and services, including medical treatments, agricultural products, and other Lebanese exports. However, in practice, Lebanon has returned little beyond goodwill and empty promises. The root of the issue lies in Lebanon's failure to implement a payment mechanism. Officials knew all along that Électricité du Liban (EDL) lacked the funds to pay for fuel, given its outdated tariffs and weak collection system. They were also aware that the Banque du Liban (BDL) was unwilling to lend and that the government itself had no financial capacity to cover the costs. Instead of addressing the problem, they resorted to stalling tactics, endless discussions about a payment mechanism, and ultimately, inaction. The electricity sector's mismanagement, political infighting, and lack of transparency have cost Lebanon billions of dollars over decades. This latest episode with Iraq is yet another example of poor governance and short-term thinking. With recent tariff hikes and improved bill collection, EDL now has the financial resources to fulfill its obligations. A payment mechanism prepared by the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) has been submitted to Iraq for review. If approved, Iraq will receive Lebanese goods and services, while Lebanese suppliers will be compensated in lira at the exchange rate of 89,500 LBP per U.S. dollar, using revenues from the power sector. Lebanon is under increasing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. Any further mismanagement could jeopardize this agreement and undermine future deals with other nations, further damaging Lebanon's credibility on the global stage.
Al Markazia
08-02-2025
- Business
- Al Markazia
بارودي من أثينا: هكذا يمكن للحكومة الجديدة أن تفعِّل قطاع الطاقة خلال ٩٠ يوماً
Baroudi from Athens: Here's how the new government can revitalize the energy sector within 90 days Almarkazia - The incoming Lebanese government faces numerous challenges, perhaps the most pressing being the issue of securing electricity and eliminating neighbourhood generators, which cause significant pollution due to their use of fuel oil and sell electricity at a high price exceeding 50 cents per kilowatt. In this context, international energy expert Roudi Baroudi spoke on the sidelines of the Athens Energy Summit held on February 5th and 6th in Athens. During a conversation with journalist Alexia Tasouli about the recent US liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, she asked him about reforming and restructuring the electricity sector in Lebanon. He affirmed that with this new government, which has the ambition and will for reform and restructuring, the electricity sector in Lebanon can be put on the right track and achieve immediate accomplishments within 90 days. Baroudi pointed to a series of measures that could lead to the realization of the Lebanese people's aspirations for launching the electricity sector within a maximum of 90 days, as follows: Appointing the Electricity Regulatory Authority, which was stipulated in the Electricity Sector Regulation Law, a step hindered by political disputes for 23 years. Enacting decrees that stipulate the independence of each of the electricity generation, distribution, and transmission activities and the establishment of companies in preparation for partnership with the private sector. Amendments should also be made to the Electricity Sector Regulation Law concerning renewable energy and its connection to the Lebanese electricity grid. Appointing a new board of directors for Électricité du Liban (EDL) and a new director-general committed to implementing the government's plan. Activating the Accelerated Electricity Works Program Law for the production of 700 megawatts. Restructuring the Ministry of Energy and Water, especially since several laws have been issued in this regard, particularly concerning the minister's powers. This restructuring should be in line with the implementation of Law 462 regulating the electricity sector, and key vacancies should be filled by directors-general and their assistants with experience, competence, and an understanding of modern developments. Appointing members to the board of directors of the Petroleum Sector to keep pace with the major developments in this important national file. In conclusion, energy expert Roudi Baroudi stressed that the implementation of this roadmap, if adopted by the new minister and government, would be a strong and much-needed launch in a long-awaited file to achieve real success. He expressed his hope that President Joseph Aoun's term would achieve accomplishments in various sectors, especially since the will and determination exist and only require the right person (he or she) in the right place and implementable plans.
