Lebanon cuts power to public bodies as electricity crisis deepens

Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy and Water has begun shutting down the supply of electricity to approximately 100 public institutions that have outstanding bill payments, according to local media. The decision, which began to take effect on Monday, marks a further escalation in Energy Minister Joe Saddi’s dispute with the government. Saddi recently began boycotting cabinet meetings over what he claims is the government’s failure to address his demands to increase power supply, reduce the burden of fuel costs and settle unpaid bills to the state-owned electricity company. Lebanon has struggled with power cuts for years , but state-provided electricity dropped sharply following the 2019 economic and banking crisis.