Contributors to the Report: Ghada Saleh, Jinan Tarha, Anis Naqeeb, Kawthar Al-Qaisi
Electricity bills for private power generators in the Villas District of Saida are skyrocketing uncontrollably, especially amid Lebanon’s economic collapse and the rising cost of diesel used to operate these generators.
Bills have increased without logical justification or price caps, while the relevant authorities remain inactive, failing to find solutions, regulate prices, or hold violators accountable.
Like other Lebanese regions, the Villas District installed electricity meters following a legal decision that obliges generator owners, not subscribers, to cover installation costs.
However, in reality, residents were forced to install meters at their own expense—or face complete darkness.
The price per kilowatt-hour has now reached $0.80, despite Decision No. 28, which requires generator owners to install electromechanical meters for their subscribers at their own cost.
“My expenses are huge—I have about seven refrigerators, and my monthly bill reaches around $450,” says Ragheed Al-Dardouri, a vegetable shop owner in the Villas District, speaking to Silat Wassel.
“This amount is extremely high compared to my income,” he adds, explaining that communication with the municipality is indirect and that the billing process depends largely on the conscience of generator owners.
In early March, the Ministry of Energy issued a statement from its media office, declaring that the fair tariff for generator electricity should be 33,984 LBP per kilowatt-hour.
The ministry called on generator owners to comply with this pricing and to respect the mandatory installation of meters.
Samer Najm, a resident of the Villas District, faces a similar struggle. His generator owner charges between $0.75 and $0.80 per kWh, in addition to a $12 monthly meter fee.
Samer says, “Some months I pay $70 to $80, and other times even $110.”
Unable to afford these costs, he stopped using his washing machine and refrigerator, eventually canceling his subscription and installing solar panels instead.
Ghada Rizk, a housewife, shares the same burden.
She was forced to purchase solar panels through an installment plan after generator prices soared beyond reasonable limits, reaching the equivalent of an entire monthly salary.
A Saida Municipality official revealed that the municipal council recently held a meeting to discuss citizens’ complaints regarding unchecked generator pricing.
Residents expressed frustration that generator owners had not lowered prices, despite a significant drop in diesel prices, keeping bills in the Villas District at the same high rates.
The municipal council decided to take the initiative independently and approach generator owners directly, one by one, demanding price reductions.
Those who refuse to comply face serious measures, including the shutdown of their generators, removal of power cables, and termination of subscriptions.
In a further step, the municipality began taking strict measures against generator owners.
It issued formal applications requiring all generator operators to apply for legal licenses to produce and distribute power, aiming to restore order and limit chaos in this sector.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy reiterated in its March statement that the fair price per kilowatt-hour should remain 33,984 LBP, urging all generator owners to comply and to install meters as required by law.
While some residents have switched to solar energy, many cannot afford the cost of panels or rising generator fees.
Violations remain widespread, with numerous generator owners ignoring both ministerial and municipal regulations.
With state electricity absent and authorities failing to enforce accountability, residents are left wondering:
“How long will generator owners drain our wallets unchecked?
Who is responsible for holding them accountable?”
