An electricity pylon in Mansourieh (Metn), Aug. 29, 2024. (Credit: P.H.B./L'Orient Today)
Electricité du Liban (EDL) began offloading the first of three fuel shipments on Friday, following a slight delay. These shipments were expected by the end of September to boost electricity production, which had reached critically low levels due to a lack of resupply.
EDL stated it would be able to increase electricity production by the evening.
The shipment in question consists of 30,000 tons of Egyptian diesel purchased on the spot market by the Lebanese government and transported by the Chem Helen, a tanker that arrived in Lebanon on Monday night. This shipment does not include the fuel donated by Algeria, which also arrived this week. The Chem Helen docked near the Zahrani power plant in southern Lebanon and is waiting for its cargo to be tested.
In a statement released on Friday, EDL said it had received "this morning" the results of a quality check performed by "Bureau Veritas laboratories in Dubai, UAE, on representative samples taken from the cargo." This is a standard procedure conducted by the bureau and commissioned by the Energy and Water Ministry.
Gradual restoration of power supply
"The General Directorate of Petroleum [attached to the ministry] issued the authorization to unload the fuel after confirming that the results met the required contractual specifications," EDL stated, adding that the transfer had begun in the morning. The 30,000 tons will be distributed between the Zahrani and Deir Ammar sites — near Tripoli, North Lebanon.
EDL plans to "gradually restart" the two power plants starting Friday evening, beginning with Zahrani. The company expects to add 400 megawatts to its grid, in addition to 65 MW of hydropower capacity. EDL claimed it could provide an average of 4 hours of electricity per day and power "vital infrastructure [airport, port, water pumps, sewage systems, etc.] 24 hours a day."
Since mid-August, the Lebanese have had less than an hour of electricity per day on average, relying heavily on private generators. Even with full capacity and sufficient fuel, EDL cannot provide continuous power nationwide.
The public provider also said it would manage its fuel stocks "prudently" until the next diesel shipments are secured. This refers to the upcoming delivery under Lebanon’s agreement with Iraq, which has faced delays and contributed to the recent near blackout. The next shipment is expected around September 8. EDL will "officially inform the relevant authorities of the final outcome of the discussions with the Iraqi side, based on which EDL will determine its production policy," the statement concluded.
Prior to EDL's announcement, the Grand Serail sent an official letter to EDL and the Energy and Water Ministry, urging equitable electricity distribution following subscriber complaints. The letter from the office of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati requested that EDL clarify how electricity from power plants is distributed across Lebanese regions.
"In light of daily complaints from citizens regarding the disparity in electricity supply hours between different regions, the Prime Minister requests that you issue a statement clarifying how electricity from power plants is distributed across all Lebanese regions," Mikati's letter read.
The Prime Minister's office also asked for details on supply hours for each region, identification of any distribution gaps and measures to address them. Additionally, the letter requested a schedule of electricity supply to public institutions, such as the airport, port, water pumps, and sanitation facilities, along with the quantities provided.
The Grand Serail’s letter did not specify whether the complaints came from regions with high bill collection rates. In April 2023, EDL committed to providing more electricity to those who pay their bills on time. The provider is also awaiting payment of overdue bills from the government.