After Rifi's Statement on 'Electrically Punishing Tripoli'... Al-Saddi's Office Clarifies!

Issued by the media office of Energy and Water Minister Joa Al-Saddi: "We regret that MP and Colonel Amin Rifi has issued a statement claiming that Tripoli is being electrically punished, receiving only about two hours of electricity daily, while other areas receive more supply.

First, no one better understands Tripoli's status in Minister Joa Al-Saddi's eyes than Colonel Rifi himself. Al-Saddi has visited Tripoli four times, affirming his commitment to addressing the injustice and deprivation suffered by the city.

Second, during his most recent visit last Monday, he insisted on holding an open meeting with Tripoli's MPs and its trade union representatives, briefing them on ongoing projects including power plants, refineries, the Arab Gas Pipeline, and the Deir Ammar plant, and how these developments positively impact the city's economic activity and job opportunities.

Third, he presented them with the current reality of electricity production and the battle he is waging to ensure state ministries, institutions, and agencies settle their outstanding debts—amounting to approximately 250 million dollars—to the Lebanese Electricity Authority (ELTA), so we can get through the summer while awaiting a clearer situation in Lebanon and the region, especially amid ongoing war, the Hormuz Strait crisis, and global oil market conditions.

Fourth, he outlined the seven key areas he is working on within the electricity sector and listened to concerns, questions, and inquiries from the MPs present, including Colonel Rifi.

Fifth, regarding rationing, he emphasized that the Electricity Authority treats all Lebanese citizens without discrimination, but stressed the necessity of halting the cycle of electricity theft and payment default, as such actions harm honest citizens and undermine the Authority’s ability to provide reliable power.

Sixth, after reviewing the matter based on Colonel Rifi’s complaint, the Lebanese Electricity Authority confirmed there is no discrimination in power supply between Tripoli and other regions; however, the overall electricity situation remains extremely difficult throughout Lebanon. It reiterated this in its own statement issued on the matter.

The statement concluded by noting that "weeks ago, some sought to portray Beirut as being targeted both water-wise and electrically for ulterior motives. Today, Colonel Al-Saddi claims Tripoli is targeted, yet the truth is that this reflects the general reality of electricity nationwide, rooted in the heavy legacy left behind in the sector—a reality that Colonel Rifi understands better than anyone else. We have been working day and night since our arrival at the ministry to overcome it and move Lebanon toward a better future. Signs of this improved reality are already emerging, particularly with the upcoming arrival of gas to the Deir Ammar plant in the coming months. Despite all this, we reaffirm that the continuous communication between Minister Al-Saddi and Colonel Rifi—never interrupted—will remain unbroken, and what happened will not damage their mutual trust or the cause,"