In response to ongoing discussions on various social media platforms urging citizens to boycott payment of electricity bills that will use the new pricing, Electricité du Liban clarified that "the current bills issued or being issued now cover electricity consumption for two months, specifically November and December 2022, based on the exchange rate on the Sayrafa platform plus 20% at the date of issuance printing, which is /43600/ L.L. per US dollar (43600 L.L. + 20% = 52320 L.L.), and therefore, they are not based on today's Sayrafa platform rate or any other date, despite its sudden and significant increase over the past two weeks."
The institution stated that it has sent several letters regarding this matter to the relevant authorities, the latest being dated 2/3/2023, also addressed to the Central Bank of Lebanon and other ministerial bodies, requesting that the Central Bank adhere to the previously mentioned Sayrafa platform rate plus 20% for the disbursement of revenues collected based on that same rate for the US dollar. It is awaiting responses on this matter.
They noted that "the reliance on the exchange rate on the Sayrafa platform plus a 20 percent increase was in compliance with a letter from the Central Bank dated 8/12/2022 regarding this matter. Electricité du Liban can only adhere to the decisions of the relevant authorities that have the authority in this regard."
The institution urged citizens "not to succumb to the promoters of inaccurate news, and it remains open to the public to alleviate any concerns they may have. Thus, it reminded that this new electricity tariff is the least expensive for citizens compared to other means of obtaining electricity, especially from private generators. Moreover, the success of the national emergency plan for the electricity sector, including improved collection based on the new tariff and the removal of violations on the electric grid, is expected to achieve one of the aims of this plan, which is to improve and increase the hours of electric supply subsequently, provided that the success factors of this plan are maintained."
Electricité du Liban concluded by stating, "The public will be informed of any developments that may arise, in light of the decisions made by the institution, its Board of Directors, and the relevant state bodies, for the public good in preserving this vital and essential sector for everyone."
