The Minister of Energy and Water has confirmed that the recent request for a $300 million loan, in exchange for a guarantee of four hours of power supply, will be the last of its kind. The Ministry claims that it will be able to finance future fuel purchases using the funds collected from electricity bills, especially since bills are now issued in Lebanese pounds at a near black-market exchange rate, following the recent adjustments and dollarization of electricity prices.

However, LIMS has expressed doubts regarding the Ministry of Energy’s claims, citing technical losses and electricity theft as factors that will likely require another loan after the six-month period expires. Despite the high prices of electricity bills, the issue is likely to persist due to ineffective bill collection processes.

LIMS suggested a solution by highlighting the example of Toula, a town in northern Lebanon that resolved its electricity problem through a private initiative that established a solar farm. Toula serves as an excellent role model for resolving the energy crisis in Lebanon.

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