(CreditL João Sousa/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — The cost of a kilowatt-hour (kWh) supplied by private or neighborhood generators has been set at 32,528 Lebanese lira for January bills, according to the latest rate update, regulated by the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water and published on Tuesday.
This marks a slight decrease of 1.4 percent compared to December's rate of LL32,998, making it the third consecutive monthly drop after five months of increases. When converted using the ministry's exchange rate of LL89,700 to a dollar, the price equals approximately $0.36.
The ministry also stated that prices would increase by 10 percent in mountainous areas (above 700 meters in altitude) and in rural regions, bringing the cost to LL35,781 per kWh. January's tariff was calculated based on the average diesel price, set at LL1,527,979 for 20 liters, showing a decrease of 1.7 percent from the previous month. The average exchange rate used for calculations remained unchanged at LL89,700.
To determine their bill, subscribers need to multiply the ministry's kWh price by their individual meter readings. An additional fixed rate is also applied based on the maximum power delivered in amperes (A). For a maximum intensity of five amperes, the monthly rate remains at LL385,000; for 10 amperes, it's fixed at LL685,000, both unchanged from the previous month. Every additional five A beyond 10 A sees an increase of LL300,000, also including a 10 percent margin for operators.
The ministry also reiterated specific rates for elevators and common areas in buildings connected to three-phase power, stating their fixed rates will be based on a single-phase installation capacity. For example, if an elevator and common area have a three-phase 3 x 15 A breaker, their rate will be based on a 15 A capacity, not 45 A, resulting in a 985,000 LL charge, unchanged from December.
Privately-run generator services are illegal but tolerated due to chronic shortages by the public utility Electricité du Liban (EDL), and many generator owners follow the ministry's tariffs and directives. However, a significant portion refuses compliance, often charging flat rates, sometimes demanded in dollars, which is also illegal. Others charge Value-Added Tax (VAT) to subscribers or impose additional fees on customers who have installed solar panels, contributing to the complex energy situation in Lebanon.