A generator in Hazmieh. (Illustrative photo by Philippe Hage Boutros/L'Orient-Le Jour)
Nearly a month into Israel's renewed war on Lebanon, generator rates continue to increase. The Energy and Water Ministry published Monday the new rate schedule, setting the price at 40,580 LL (about $0.45) per kilowatt-hour on bills issued in March. This price is up by 10,336 LL (around $0.10) compared to the rates set for February bills.
These generators supply power to Lebanese households during periods of rationing, as Electricite du Liban (EDL) is still unable to provide sufficient electricity across the country. To calculate their bill, each subscriber must multiply the set price by the number of kWh according to their consumption, as recorded on an individual meter that the operator is supposed to have installed for them.
To calculate the rate, the ministry based its calculations on a diesel price of 1,982,753 LL ($15.60, up nearly 42%) for 20 liters of fuel — the amount consumed by most generators. The exchange rate remains stable at 89,700 LL per dollar.
Fixed fees remain unchanged: 385,000 LL ($4.29) for the monthly flat rate at a maximum load of 5 amperes (A) and 685,000 LL ($7.64) for 10 A. For loads above 10 A, the ministry maintains a surcharge of 300,000 LL ($3.34) for each additional increment of 5 A.
For installations connected to a three-phase meter, such as elevators, an additional flat rate is calculated based on a reference capacity. For example, an elevator powered by three phases of 15 A each should only be billed 985,000 LL ($10.98) by the generator owner, instead of 2,785,000 LL ($31.05).
