EDL contractor will stop some repairs to electrical network

BEIRUT — A contractor for state power utility Électricité du Liban said on Tuesday that it would stop repairing some network malfunctions due to a lack of foreign currency needed to import equipment and supplies, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Here’s what we know:

    • Butec Utility Services, which maintains and operates the electricity distribution grid in the northern parts of Lebanon, said in a statement Tuesday that EDL had stopped paying the amount it owes in dollars, which is required to purchase necessary equipment and supplies — mostly imported — for the maintenance and operation of the distribution network.

    • The company said that it would continue with repairs that do not rely on these supplies and, where possible, provide an alternative power supply.

    • After decades of underinvestment and mismanagement, EDL’s power grid is prone to outages from storms, mishaps, theft and equipment breaking down.

    • Lebanon’s financial crisis and an apparent political decision to slow spending from the central bank’s foreign currency reserves have reduced power provision to a few hours per day in most areas of the country.

    • EDL could not be reached for immediate comment.